'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' star Munmum Dutta cites 'language barrier' as reason behind casteist slur; Neeraj Ghaywan says 'shut up'

Calling it unintentional, the actress said that due to the "language barrier", she was misinformed about the meaning of the word

'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' star Munmum Dutta. Source: Screenshot.

Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, May 11

'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' star Munmum Dutta issued an apology on Monday for using a "casteist slur" in her recent YouTube video.

A section of fans expressed outrage when Munmun used the offensive term in a makeup video. Some users started trending the hashtag #ArrestMunmunDutta.

The actress realised her mistake, and soon deleted the video.

Calling it unintentional, the actress said that due to the "language barrier", she was misinformed about the meaning of the word.

"This is in reference to a video that I posted yesterday where in one word used by me has been misinterpreted. It was never said with the intent to insult, intimidate, humiliate or hurt anyone's feelings," she wrote in her apology," the actress wrote.

She continued, "Because of my language barrier, I was genuinely misinformed about the meaning of the word. Once I was made aware of its meaning I immediately took the part down. I have utmost respect for every single person from every caste, creed or gender and acknowledge their immense contribution to our Society or nation."

She concluded, "I sincerely would like to apologize to every single person who has been unintentionally hurt by the usage of the word and sincerely regret for the same."

pic.twitter.com/vxWspMtLzP
— Munmun Dutta (@moonstar4u) May 10, 2021

"Babeeta (Munmun Dutta) from Tarak Mehta ka Ulta Chashma, a most popular Indian Drama, used a castiest slur in her YouTube video which she later on trimmed. @moonstar4u has fans from all sections of Indian society, but she mocked a whole caste in a moment. Strict action is required," one person wrote on Twitter.

Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, reacting to her apology, wrote in a tweet, "'Has been misinterpreted'? 'Never said it with intent to hurt'? There is no other interpretation! You said the B word and there is no way to cover it up. Apologise and shut up."