Why Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Trended in India: Munmun Dutta’s Haunted‑Set Video and 18‑Year Milestone

In mid‑September 2026, searches for taarak mehta ka ooltah chashmah rose sharply in India after actress Munmun Dutta shared a candid video of the show’s empty set. The clip, posted on 19 September, showed her walking through the Gokuldham society interiors while joking that the location looks “haunted” when no shooting is taking place. The video quickly resonated with longtime fans who associate the set with years of memories.

The Haunted‑Set Video

Munmun Dutta’s post, covered by Times of India, includes the exact line: “In the video, she jokingly wrote, “Sets look haunted eh when not at work.”” She also revealed that she has been part of the sitcom since its launch 18 years ago, playing Babita Iyer, and described growing up on the set. The accompanying Polaroid‑style picture and the song ‘Saawan Beeto Jaaye’ added a nostalgic tone.

18‑Year Milestone and Cast Reflections

During the press conference marking the show’s 18‑year milestone, Munmun Dutta spoke to IANS about the importance of women characters in the series. As reported by Telangana Today, she said: “The women in ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ are equally important,” she told IANS. She stressed that the female cast brings significant value to the show, countering any industry bias.

Fan Nostalgia and Search Spike

The combination of the haunted‑set glimpse, the 18‑year anniversary reflection, and the emotional soundtrack triggered a wave of nostalgia among viewers. According to Google Trends data observed on 20 September 2026, the term “taarak mehta ka ooltah chashmah” recorded approximately 200 searches in India, representing a 100 % growth over the previous period. This spike reflects heightened interest rather than sustained traffic.

Context and Takeaway

While the video’s “haunted” remark is figurative—referring to the quiet, empty set—it highlighted the deep personal connection Munmun Dutta feels with the show. The trend demonstrates how a single behind‑the‑scenes post, tied to a major milestone, can revive public conversation around a long‑running sitcom. No broader audience reaction data beyond search volume is available, and the reported figures are approximate for the past 24 hours.