Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's Munmun Dutta opens up about her bond with Dilip Joshi, calls Amit Bhatt aka Champak chacha her bestie

Munmun Dutta is best known for playing Babitaji in the long-running sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The actress enjoys a huge fan following and is loved by audiences for her on-screen chemistry with Jethalal, played by Dilip Joshi. In a recent podcast interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, Munmun spoke about her bond with Dilip Joshi and revealed that she shares a close friendship with Amit Bhatt, fondly calling him her bestie. She also opened up about her struggle phase and the most difficult period of her life, when she lost her father. (Photo: Instagram)

No, not at all. At that time, I felt I had finally found a job and now I just needed to work hard. Even before that, I was working — not constantly, but yes, there were struggles, especially when you want to become an actor. When the show started, Dilip sir was also part of it. I think he had recommended my name for the show, though I still don’t know the full story. He told me once, but I’ve forgotten the details. As far as I remember, he suggested my name for this particular character. (Photo: Instagram)

I think it also happened because Dilip sir and the producer had worked together earlier, so they knew each other well. They were discussing the casting a lot at that time. Dilip sir had recommended the names of two or three other actors as well who are part of the show today. I believe Amit Bhatt, who plays Champaklal, was one of them. I also think Disha, who played Daya bhabhi, was recommended by him. As for me, I know that my name was suggested too. (Photo: Instagram)

We share a very good bond, and I’ve learned a lot from him because he is a senior actor. The chemistry just happened naturally, it’s all about action and reaction. He is a great performer, and I respond well to his dialogue delivery and expressions. That’s how the chemistry formed on its own. In our scenes, we improvise a lot. We make small changes, he gives his inputs, I share mine, and that’s how it works. I’m very comfortable working with him and truly enjoy doing these scenes. (Photo: Instagram)

Dilip sir often praises me, especially because he has seen my journey from the beginning, when I was new and still learning. Even today, when we talk during scenes, he tells me how much I’ve grown and how professional I’ve become. That’s something I’ve heard from many people, and it feels really special. (Photo: Instagram)

In 2004, I did a show called Hum Sab Baraati, and that was my very first acting experience. I didn’t even know basic things back then, like you’re not supposed to stop dancing during a performance till the choreographer doesn't say cut. On the very first day, the choreographer’s assistant was shouting a lot, and I started crying. But today, when I sit back and think about my journey, I feel I’ve come a really long way. (Photo: Instagram)

A girl from a small town who made her way in this city and faced all the difficulties. It wasn’t easy at all because I didn’t know anyone here, and I didn’t even have a relative whose place I could stay at. I gave auditions, did small bits of work, and when I finally started getting paid, that money went towards my PG rent. Sometimes when I look back at where I started and where I am today, I truly feel proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m very grateful for the journey. Initially, when I started working, the journey was very difficult. I had to struggle a lot and stand in long lines for auditions. Things improved when the show happened. (Photo: Instagram)

In 2018, losing my father was a huge personal setback for me. My dad had arthritis for many years and couldn’t walk. I kept telling him that I would get his surgery done and everything would be fine. Even he was hopeful and believed he would recover after the operation. In 2018, we finally decided to go ahead with it. But about a month before the surgery, he suddenly became very scared and kept saying he would die on the operation table. I kept reassuring him that nothing would happen. 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. (Photo: Instagram)

It was extremely shocking for me. Somewhere in my mind, I kept thinking maybe he had a premonition, maybe I shouldn’t have gone ahead with it. But I always remind myself that I did it with good intentions. He was completely dependent and in pain. I didn’t speak about this to my mother for a very long time. Recently, when I did, she told me that I only wanted to do the right thing for my father. I don’t want to go deeper into this because it makes me emotional. I don’t like crying in front of the camera or people. I don’t want anyone to see my weakness. (Photo: Instagram)

Champak chacha aka Amit Bhatt, behind the scenes is super fun. He is one of my besties. Amit is cool and the way he dances after that one particular music, is very funny. He does that after everything and I enjoy that a lot. I laugh a lot over it. (Photo: Instagram)