Jennifer Mistry, known for her role as ‘Roshan Sodhi’ in the long-standing Indian sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), has prevailed in a sexual harassment case against the show’s producer, Asit Kumarr Modi. The legal battle, which began in 2023, reached its culmination with Jennifer being awarded a significant victory.
As a consequence, Asit Modi has been directed to compensate Jennifer with Rs. 25 lakh, including an additional penalty of Rs. 5 lakh.
The friction between the cast and crew of TMKOC and Asit Modi has been an ongoing issue despite the show’s enduring popularity and high TRP ratings.
Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal came forward with allegations against Asit Modi and two others, citing sexual harassment and non-payment of dues despite repeated requests.
According to a report by TOI, the verdict in Jennifer’s favor was reached on February 15, 2024. However, Jennifer was instructed to refrain from discussing it publicly until now. The court not only found Asit Modi guilty of sexual harassment but also mandated the clearance of all pending dues owed to Jennifer, along with the imposed penalty.
Expressing her thoughts on the verdict to ETimes, Jennifer stated,
“The verdict is in my favour, confirming the allegations I made with strong evidence. This outcome surpasses what the police achieved in the past year.”
Despite the legal victory, Jennifer remains discontented with the court’s decision. She highlighted the delay in receiving her rightful payments and expressed disappointment over the exclusion of the other two accused individuals, Sohil and Jatin, from the verdict. Jennifer emphasized the importance of upholding a woman’s reputation and expressed her belief that justice has not been fully served in this instance.
“I believe a woman’s reputation matters most. It’s been over 40 days, and I still haven’t received my due amount, which I earned through hard work on the serial (TMKOC). Despite proving Mr Modi guilty of sexual harassment, no punishment has been given to all three accused. Sohil and Jatin weren’t included in the verdict, which disappoints me. The local committee ordered my due amount, which I deserve. This verdict proves that my case was not fabricated and that I wasn’t seeking cheap publicity. While I’m glad my harassment was recognised, I don’t feel I’ve received proper justice yet. The verdict doesn’t require Mr Modi, Sohil, and Jatin to apologise, despite their abuse towards me at work.”
Jennifer’s ordeal ultimately led to her departure from TMKOC after fifteen years of dedicated service. She cited mental and sexual harassment by Asit Modi, project head Sohail Ramani, and executive producer Jatin Bajaj as the reasons behind her decision to leave the show.
I was asked to get off the sets four times by Sohail Ramani and Jatin Bajaj tried to stop my car by standing behind it and was not allowing to me to leave the sets. I told them that I worked on the show for 15 years, and they couldn’t forcefully stop me, and while I was leaving Sohail threatened me. I have filed a case of sexual harassment against Asit Kumarr Modi, Sohail Ramani and Jatin Bajaj.”
Monika Bhadoriya, who portrayed the character ‘Bawri’ on TMKOC, echoed Jennifer’s sentiments and disclosed her own experiences of mistreatment on set. She accused Asit Modi of insensitivity, recounting an incident where she was compelled to report to work despite her mother’s recent demise.
“His (Asit Modi) team said, ‘Hum aapko paisa de rahe hai, hum jab chahe aap ko khada hona padega chahe aap ki Mummy admit ho ya koi.’ He (Asit) says ‘I’m a God’.”
The revelations made by Jennifer Mistry and supported by Monika Bhadoriya have sparked conversations about workplace ethics and treatment of employees in the entertainment industry. As the case unfolds, public opinion continues to scrutinize Asit Modi’s conduct, prompting reflections on accountability and justice within the realm of television production.
