20 May 2023, Mumbai: In recent developments surrounding the popular television sitcom, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, actress Monika Bhadoriya, known for her role as ‘Bawri,’ has come forward with shocking allegations against the show’s producer, Asit Kumar Modi, and two others. Following previous accusations of se*ual harassment by Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, who portrayed ‘Roshan Sodhi,’ former actors from the series have begun speaking out about the show’s working culture. Monika Bhadoriya’s recent interviews have shed light on the mistreatment of actors and gender disparity within the production.
Monika Bhadoriya expressed her discontent with Asit Kumarr Modi, claiming that everyone, including Shailesh Ji, Gurucharan Singh, Raj Anadkat, Jennifer, and Neha Mehta, has faced issues with delayed payments. She struggled for an entire year, repeatedly visiting Asit’s office seeking assistance but to no avail. It was only after sending a legal notice that her payment was cleared.
Monika revealed how actors were humiliated and treated as less than human. Disheartening comments about personal losses were made, such as, “Your mother died, your brother died, we provided you with money.” Such insensitivity reflects the lack of empathy displayed towards the actors. Monika also recalled Asit Modi belittling her by saying that she had nothing when she joined the show and everything she has achieved is because of him. Furthermore, she criticized the unfair payment structure, where male actors were given preferential treatment and female actors were made to wait for their scenes, resulting in significantly lower compensation.
Monika likened her experience on the set to mental torture, expressing that at times, she felt that it would be better to commit suicide than to continue working under such conditions. Supporting Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal’s accusations, Monika affirmed the existence of a male chauvinistic atmosphere on the set. Female actors were made to wait while male actors completed their scenes first, and the pay gap between genders was alarming. The actresses were not even allowed to leave the set until their scenes were finished, causing further delays and inconvenience.
Monika Bhadoriya’s explosive statements regarding Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and its producer, Asit Kumar Modi, along with her support of Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal’s allegations, have brought to light significant concerns about the working culture of the popular TV sitcom. These allegations emphasize the need for a fair and respectful environment for all actors, regardless of gender. The claims made by Monika Bhadoriya and other former actors warrant thorough investigation and necessary action to address the alleged mistreatment and gender disparity within the show’s production.
Article by Yashika Desai