Mumbai: (The Reportline) Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, the beloved sitcom that has captured the hearts of viewers, finds itself embroiled in controversy as allegations of sexual harassment have emerged against its producer, Asit Kumar Modi. Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, who portrayed the character of Mrs Roshan Sodhi in the show, came forward last month to accuse Modi of misconduct. However, the producer has vehemently denied these claims, labeling them as unfounded.
The situation took a more serious turn when an FIR (First Information Report) was filed against Asit Modi, along with Sohail Ramani, the operations head, and Jatin Bajaj, the executive producer of the show, on charges of sexual assault. The matter has attracted significant media attention, casting a shadow over the popular sitcom.
In response to these developments, Asit Kumarr Modi has issued a statement, as reported by News18. He stated that all the allegations are being investigated and firmly denied by the production team. Modi expressed unawareness regarding the registration of an FIR, but assured that they have cooperated with the police and provided their statements. Considering the ongoing investigation, he refrained from making any further comments on the matter.
Jennifer Mistry, the actress who lodged the complaint, expressed a mix of relief and dissatisfaction with the current situation. In an interview with Pinkvilla, she stated, "I am at least relieved that action has been taken now, but I am still not happy about it. This is not something that I wanted. I did not want this, but it appears that the universe has deemed it necessary. Let's see what happens next. I continue to pray for the well-being of everyone involved, hoping for a peaceful resolution."
Earlier, Jennifer had taken to Instagram to warn the show's makers against underestimating her silence. In a video, she recited a couplet that conveyed her strength and resolve. Her words emphasized that her silence was a choice rather than a weakness, and that the truth would ultimately prevail. She urged them to remember that equality exists in the eyes of God.
Amidst these serious allegations, Asit Modi stands firm in his denial of Jennifer Mistry's claims of sexual harassment. The controversy surrounding Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continues to capture public attention, leaving fans and viewers uncertain about the future of the beloved sitcom.