Munmun Dutta, best known for her iconic portrayal of Babita in the long-running sitcom *Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah*, recently shared her career journey with filmmaker Farah Khan on Khan’s YouTube channel. The conversation, which took place at Dutta’s home while enjoying Bengali delicacies, offered a fascinating glimpse into the actress’s early struggles and eventual success.
Dutta revealed that her role in *Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah* came through auditions. She recounted her inauspicious beginnings, recalling her first acting experience at the age of 17 in the show *Hum Sab Baraati*. She admitted to a complete lack of experience at the time, highlighting the significant journey she’s undertaken. Her path to Mumbai involved moving from Kolkata for her studies and participating in the Gladrags competition, a period she described as challenging, marked by financial struggles and the determination to succeed. Looking back, she expressed gratitude for her achievements.
A surprising connection emerged during their conversation: Dutta and Khan had previously collaborated on a Navratna Tel advertisement fifteen to twenty years ago, even before *Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah* premiered. Khan, initially unaware of Dutta’s involvement, remembered the shoot at Film City, revealing that Shah Rukh Khan was also present. Dutta clarified that she was one of three girls featured in the commercial alongside the Bollywood superstar.
Reflecting on this encounter, Dutta expressed immense admiration for Shah Rukh Khan, calling him her “eternal crush” and noting the *Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah* cast’s appreciation for his respect towards the show. Her journey, from an inexperienced teenager to a celebrated actress with over a decade and a half in a hugely popular sitcom, serves as a testament to her perseverance and talent.