4 June 2023, Mumbai: The popular Indian television show, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has recently been in the news due to allegations of sexual misconduct made by actress Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal against the show’s producers. While some actors from the show have supported her claims, Priya Ahuja Rajda, who played Rita reporter on the show, has come forward to express her shock at the lack of support for Jennifer and vouch for her professionalism on set.
In an interview , Priya Ahuja Rajda expressed her disbelief that none of Jennifer’s close friends from the show have come out in support of her. Priya, who had previously extended her support to Jennifer, revealed that Jennifer had been there for her during her own struggle with depression. Priya confirmed that Jennifer was never abusive or undisciplined on the sets of the show, contradicting the allegations made against her.
Priya Ahuja Rajda also highlighted Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal’s significant role in bringing the former director of the show, Malav Rajda, into the production team. Priya herself is married to Malav Rajda, who recently left the show after serving as its director for 14 years. Both Priya and Malav have characterised their departure as a natural progression in their careers, without mentioning any conflicts that may have occurred on set.
While Priya Ahuja Rajda has shown her support for Jennifer, other cast members have had mixed reactions to the allegations. Mandar Chandwadkar, who is said to have been close friends with Jennifer, claimed that he was unaware of the hurdles she faced on the show’s set. Jennifer expressed her disappointment with Mandar’s statement, understanding his hesitation to support her due to his continued work with the production house but expressing the view that he should not have spoken against her.
Allegations and Statements Against the Producers:
Following the exits of Disha Vakani, Priya Ahuja, Shailesh Lodha, and Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, several actors have spoken out against the show’s producers. The allegations made by Jennifer have brought attention to the issue of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry and raised questions about the working environment on the show, which has been running for over a decade
By:Tanya Chantola