Condoling the demise of Taarak Mehta, who died on Wednesday morning after a prolonged illness, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the popular Gujarati humourist's writings reflected the "unity in diversity" of India.

Mehta died aged 88 in Ahemedabad, his family confirmed. They intend to donate his body to science.

Modi tweeted on Wednesday: "I would like to pay tribute to the noted playwright and comedy writer Taarak Mehta. He never left the side of satire and pen."

Born in December 26, 1929, Mehta was honoured with Padma Shri in 2015. 

Reminiscing about his meeting with Mehta, Modi said: "I have had the privilege of meeting Mehta several times. I also got a chance to meet him when he was honoured with the Padma Shri. His work reflects unity in diversity in India." 

Mehta's famous works include "Duniya Ne Undha Chasma", which inspired the hit Hindi sitcom "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah".