Asit Kumar Modi, the creator and producer of the long-running television show “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” (TMKOC), has publicly addressed recent controversies and allegations made by former cast members. In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, Modi expressed his sentiments regarding the issues that have surfaced over the past few years.
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TMKOC has been a staple of Indian television for 17 years, garnering a dedicated fan base and widespread acclaim. However, the show has not been without its challenges. In 2023, several former actors levied serious accusations against the production, including claims of misconduct on set and unpaid dues. Modi had previously chosen to remain silent on these matters but has now offered his perspective.
Modi’s Response to Allegations
Addressing the emotional impact of the allegations, Modi stated, “I have never detached myself from the actors. If there is any issue, they can always contact me. I have always been very honest and kept the show first. I have never thought of any personal gains, so with incidents like these, I do get upset, but it’s a part of life.
He further elaborated on his feelings toward the actors who have made these claims, saying, “Actors who have left have been saying things against me. It’s okay. I will not say anything to them. They have worked on my show and have a part to play in TMKOC’s success. Even though I led it, the show became popular due to everyone’s efforts. I couldn’t have made this what it is today all alone. We are like a train. Some compartments get derailed, but the train will continue to run. I do feel bad, but I forgive them because if I hold a grudge in my heart, I won’t be happy and won’t be able to make people laugh.”
Controversies and Legal Challenges
The controversies began in 2023 when Shailesh Lodha, who portrayed the titular character for 14 years, sued the producers over unpaid dues after leaving the show in 2022. The court ruled in Lodha’s favor, ordering Modi to pay ₹1.05 crore. Lodha emphasized that his pursuit was for justice and self-respect rather than monetary gain.
In May 2023, actress Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal accused Modi of sexual harassment and mistreatment on set. She expressed frustration over the slow progress of the investigation and revealed that Modi had countered with allegations against her, claiming she created a hostile work environment. In response to these claims, the production house established an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) to address such issues, following directives from the National Commission for Women and local authorities.
Additionally, Monika Bhadoriya accused Modi and project head Sohail Ramani of fostering a hostile workplace and withholding payments to many artists. She also mentioned frequent disputes between co-star Munmun Dutta and Modi.
Maintaining Team Unity and Show’s Success
Despite these challenges, Modi remains focused on the collective effort that has contributed to the show’s longevity. He remarked, “When a show becomes popular, it’s a team effort. They all have worked very hard. I make sure that they don’t face any problems as such. I focus on keeping them united, and if they are also sincere in their work, too many issues don’t arise.”
The Return of Dayaben
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of the beloved character Dayaben, originally portrayed by Disha Vakani. Addressing this anticipation, Modi said, “The popularity of the show remains intact even today. People do complain that they don’t enjoy the show ever since Daya Bhabhi left, and I agree. I will bring back Daya Bhabhi soon. The entire team of writers and actors try their best to fill in Daya Bhabhi’s absence. Daya Bhabhi will return soon. We can only pray that Disha Vakani returns; she has family duties. She is like my younger sister, and we are like family even today. It might be difficult for her to return. I have shortlisted a few people for the role, and you will get to know them soon. It has been five years since she left, and we miss her even today. She was so caring towards her fellow artistes as well as the crew. We aim to find someone just like Disha Vakani.”
Looking Ahead
As TMKOC continues its journey on Indian television, Modi’s recent statements shed light on the complexities of managing a long-running show and the importance of addressing internal challenges transparently. While controversies have tested the resilience of the production, Modi’s commitment to forgiveness and unity aims to steer the show toward continued success.
By – Sonali
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