TMKOC female leads underrated, says Munmun Dutta at 18-year milestone
Synopsis
At TMKOC's 18-year milestone press event, Munmun Dutta broke from the celebratory script to make a pointed argument: the show's female cast is equally important but routinely underrecognised. Coming from one of the sitcom's longest-serving actresses, it is a rare on-record moment of candour from within one of Indian TV's most enduring franchises.
Key Takeaways
Munmun Dutta said TMKOC 's female cast does not get enough credit despite contributing equally to the show's success.
She made the remarks at a press conference in Mumbai on 30 July , marking the show's 18-year milestone .
Dutta described herself as a 'strong feminist' and said she has never viewed her co-stars as competition.
She individually praised the actresses portraying women of Gokuldham Society as 'brilliant' and 'intelligent'. 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' completed 18 years on air on 28 July , making it one of India's longest-running sitcoms.
Actress Munmun Dutta, best known for playing Babita Ji in the long-running sitcom 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' (TMKOC), has said that the show's female cast members do not receive adequate credit for their contributions — despite being equally central to its enduring success. She made the remarks at a press conference in Mumbai on 30 July, held to mark the show's 18-year milestone.
What Munmun Dutta Said
Speaking at the event, Dutta described herself as a 'strong feminist' and said she has always viewed her female co-stars as collaborators rather than competitors. 'I am a very girls' girl, very old school. I am a very strong feminist. I believe that if you want to walk, you have to walk together. I've never been insecure of anybody here,' she said.
Dutta went on to individually praise the actresses who portray the women of Gokuldham Society, calling them 'brilliant', 'intelligent', and 'wonderful' to work with. 'I am grateful to be in the company of these brilliant women. We have a wonderful relationship with each other, and I think they are all incredible,' she added.
The Recognition Gap
Dutta was candid about a broader pattern she sees in the industry — one where female performers are often overlooked despite carrying significant creative weight. 'Sometimes women don't get that much importance. I am not saying it happens here, but it does happen in some places. We bring a lot to the show and to our characters. The women in 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' are equally important,' she said.
Notably, her comments come at a time when conversations around gender parity in Indian television — in terms of screen time, pay, and public recognition — have gained renewed attention.
Welcoming New Cast Members
Dutta also extended praise to the newer additions to the ensemble, which has seen several cast changes over its nearly two-decade run. 'We have some wonderful cast members who have joined us recently, and they are doing an incredible job. Everyone is doing a great job in their own way,' she said.
She attributed the show's longevity in part to the professionalism and genuine camaraderie within the cast. 'We all show up every day, do our best and work with complete professionalism. There is no hidden agenda. We genuinely appreciate each other's work,' Dutta added.
About the Show
'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' completed 18 years on air on 28 July, cementing its place as one of Indian television's longest-running sitcoms. The show, which airs on SAB TV, has built a multigenerational fanbase since its debut and continues to draw consistent viewership. With the milestone crossed, attention now turns to how the show evolves its ensemble storytelling — and whether its female characters will receive greater narrative prominence going forward.
Point of View
Merchandise, and press coverage, while the women of Gokuldham Society are rarely centred in the narrative around the show's success. That a senior cast member felt compelled to make this case publicly, at an official press event, suggests the imbalance is acknowledged internally even if not yet addressed. The question for the production is whether the show's next chapter gives its female ensemble the story arcs — not just the appreciation — they are reportedly due.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Munmun Dutta say about TMKOC's female cast?
Munmun Dutta said the female actors of 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' do not receive enough credit despite playing an equally important role in the show's success. She called her co-stars 'brilliant' and 'intelligent' and said, 'We bring a lot to the show and to our characters.'
When did TMKOC complete 18 years on air?
'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' completed 18 years on air on 28 July, making it one of Indian television's longest-running sitcoms. A press conference to mark the milestone was held in Mumbai on 30 July.
Who does Munmun Dutta play in TMKOC?
Munmun Dutta plays Babita Ji, one of the central female characters in 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah'. She has been part of the show since its inception and is one of its longest-serving cast members.
What did Munmun Dutta say about new cast members?
Dutta welcomed the newer additions to the ensemble, saying, 'We have some wonderful cast members who have joined us recently, and they are doing an incredible job.' She credited the cast's professionalism and camaraderie for the show's longevity.
Why does Munmun Dutta call herself a feminist?
Dutta described herself as a 'strong feminist' to explain her philosophy of solidarity with female co-stars. She said she has never viewed other women on the show as competition and believes in collective progress — 'if you want to walk, you have to walk together.'
