Munmun Dutta Shares Heartfelt Insights on Co-Stars and Personal Journey
In a recent podcast interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, actress Munmun Dutta opened up about her life and career. The popular star, best known for playing Babitaji in the long-running sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, shared intimate details about her relationships with co-stars and personal struggles.
Dilip Joshi's Role in Her Career
Munmun revealed that Dilip Joshi, who plays Jethalal on the show, played a crucial role in her casting. "Dilip sir recommended my name for Babitaji," she said. She explained that Joshi and the producer had worked together before and were discussing casting extensively at the time. Joshi suggested several actors who eventually joined the show, including Amit Bhatt as Champaklal and Disha Vakani as Daya bhabhi.
The actress expressed deep gratitude for Joshi's mentorship. "I've learned a lot from him because he is a senior actor," she shared. Their on-screen chemistry developed naturally through improvisation during scenes. Munmun praised Joshi's performance skills, noting how well she responds to his dialogue delivery and expressions.
Amit Bhatt as Her Best Friend
Munmun surprised fans by revealing that Amit Bhatt, who plays Champak chacha on the show, is one of her closest friends off-screen. "Amit Bhatt is one of my besties," she declared with enthusiasm. She described him as super fun behind the scenes, particularly enjoying his funny dance moves after certain music cues.
The actress emphasized the genuine friendship they share, contrasting with their on-screen relationship where she plays his daughter-in-law. This revelation highlights the warm atmosphere among the show's cast members.
Early Struggles and Career Journey
Munmun spoke candidly about her difficult beginnings in the entertainment industry. As a girl from a small town without connections in Mumbai, she faced numerous challenges. "I gave auditions, did small bits of work," she recalled. The money from her initial jobs went directly toward paying her PG accommodation rent.
She shared a particularly vulnerable moment from her first acting experience in 2004 on the show Hum Sab Baraati. "On the very first day, the choreographer's assistant shouted at me and I started crying," she revealed. Looking back now, she feels proud of how far she has come from those early days.
Personal Tragedy and Resilience
The actress opened up about the most difficult period of her life when she lost her father in 2018. Her father had suffered from arthritis for years and couldn't walk. They decided to proceed with surgery after much deliberation, but her father expressed fears about dying on the operation table.
"He survived the surgery, and on the 11th day, when he was supposed to come home the next day, he passed away in the hospital that night," she shared emotionally. This devastating loss left her questioning whether she made the right decision, though she ultimately believes she acted with good intentions to relieve his pain.
Munmun admitted she doesn't like showing vulnerability publicly. "I don't want anyone to see my weakness," she explained, preferring to keep her emotions private despite sharing this deeply personal story.
Reflections on Success and Growth
When asked about the show's massive success, Munmun confessed she never anticipated it would become so popular. "At that time, I felt I had finally found a job and now I just needed to work hard," she said about joining Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
She expressed appreciation for how far she has developed professionally, noting that Dilip Joshi often praises her growth. "He tells me how much I've grown and how professional I've become," she shared, acknowledging how special such recognition feels from a respected senior colleague.
The interview provided fans with a rare glimpse into the personal and professional life of one of Indian television's most beloved actresses, revealing both her joyful relationships with co-stars and the resilience that has defined her journey.
