Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From Dilip Joshi being older than on-screen father Amit Bhatt to Munmun Datta working with SRK in a TV commercial; A look at lesser known facts about the popular sitcom

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is one of the longest-running TV sitcoms. It has been entertaining viewers for 17 years and remains a fan favorite. While the show's actors are well-loved for their roles, there are many interesting facts about them that people may not know. Here are some surprising details—take a look. (Photo: Instagram)

Not many people are aware that Dilip Joshi, who portrays Jethalal, had previously worked with Munmun Dutta, known for her role as Babita, before they became co-stars in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The duo appeared together in the 2004 show Hum Sab Baraati. Interestingly, it was Dilip Joshi who suggested Munmun’s name for the character of Babita, leading to her iconic role in the sitcom. (Photo: Instagram)

Amit Bhatt, who brilliantly portrays Jethalal’s father, Bapuji, in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, is actually much younger than his character suggests. At 51 years old, he is not only younger than his reel-age but is also younger than Dilip Joshi, who plays his son and is 56 in real life. While Taarak Mehta brought him widespread recognition, Amit Bhatt has also showcased his talent in several well-known shows, including Khichdi, Yes Boss, Chupke Chupke, Funny Family.com, Gupshup Coffee Shop, and F.I.R.. Additionally, he appeared in Love Yatri, a film produced under Salman Khan’s banner. (Photo: Instagram)

Disha Vakani, who took a maternity break in 2017, has not made a comeback to the show since then. The actress won hearts as Dayaben in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, while Mayur Vakani played her on-screen brother, Sundar. Interestingly, the two share the same bond off-screen as well, as they are real-life siblings. Mayur is younger than Disha, and the duo shares a strong connection. Their father, Bhim Vakani, is a well-known figure in Gujarati theatre. (Photo: Instagram)

While Disha Vakani, known as Dayaben from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has not returned to acting since welcoming her daughter in 2018 and son in 2022, many may not know that she has appeared in several Bollywood films. Her filmography includes roles in Jodha Akbar, Love Story 2050, Mangal Pandey: The Rising and a few others. (Photo: Instagram)

Jennifer Mistry, who played the character of Roshan in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah quit the show in 2023, holds a black belt in karate. During the lockdown, she resumed her training and started practicing the martial art once again. (Photo: Instagram)

Ambika Ranjankar, who plays Komal Hathi in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, was previously seen in Ekta Kapoor's popular drama Kasamh Se. While she is widely loved for her role in Taarak Mehta, many may not be aware of her appearance in the hit saas-bahu serial. (Photo: Instagram)

Mandar Chandwadkar, who has played Bhide in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah since its inception, made a bold career move by quitting his well-paying job in Dubai to follow his passion for acting. Many may not be aware of this lesser-known fact about the actor. In an interview with TOI TV, he revealed, "I struggled till 2008. I am a mechanical engineer by profession and was working in Dubai. I quit my job and returned to India in 2000 as I wanted to pursue a career in acting. Acting has always been my passion since childhood. I had done many theatre plays but I did not get a break that I needed. There's a lot of work in the industry but I was waiting for a break and I got that in 2008 through this show." (Photo: Instagram)

Munmun Dutta, best known as Babita Ji in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has not only appeared in several films like Mumbai Xpress, Holiday, and Dhinchak Enterprise, but she has also starred alongside Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in a pen advertisement. While she grabs attention on the show as Jethalal’s on-screen crush, many may not be aware of her diverse work in the entertainment industry. (Photo: Instagram)