If you’ve ever watched Chhota Bheem, you likely adore TunTun Mausi. But did you know that this character draws inspiration from India’s first-ever female comedian, Uma Devi Khatri. The women who rose to fame under the stage name Tun Tun?
FROM TRAGEDY TO DREAMS :UMA DEVI KHATRI
Uma Devi Khatri’s life was tough. Born into a family plagued by tragedy, she lost her entire family in a land dispute, leaving her an orphan at a young age. She was taken in by relatives, but instead of finding love and support, she was treated more like a servant than a family member. Yet, she found comfort in music and dreamed of becoming a playback singer.
Determined, she ran away to Bombay, where she knocked on the doors of renowned music composer Naushad Ali. Her determination paid off, and in 1947, she landed her first singing gig, eventually recording 45 songs over the course of her career.
BRITH OF TUN TUN MAUSI
But as time went on, her singing career began to degrade. Naushad Ali, recognizing her unique potential, reintroduced her to the world; not as a singer, but as a comedian. He gave her the stage name Tun Tun, and the rest is history. She quickly became one of the most beloved and famous comedians in Bollywood, bringing joy to audiences in nearly 200 films.
CHALLENGES BEHIND THE LAUGHTER: UMA DEVI KHATRI
However, while Tun Tun’s on-screen character was full of smiles and laughter, her real life was filled with challenges. The entertainment industry, and society at large, often reduced her to her size and skin color, using her physical appearance as a source of humor. Despite this, Tun Tun’s talent rose through, and she broke barriers for female comedians in Indian cinema.
THE NOT-SO FAIRYTALE ENDING
Sadly, her story did not have a fairytale ending. After retiring from the industry in the 1980s, she faced financial hardships and struggled to make ends meet, a far cry from her days as a celebrated star.
So, the next time you laugh along with TunTun Mausi, take a moment to remember Uma Devi Khatri; the woman behind the laughter, whose life was a testament to talent against all odds.
