Palak Sindhwani, the actress who played the role of Sonu Bhide in the popular TV show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has quit the show citing severe mental harassment and exploitation by the makers. This decision comes after a prolonged period of tension between Sindhwani and the production house, Neela Film Productions.
Sindhwani informed the production house about her decision to leave the show on August 8, 2024, due to ongoing health and personal issues. However, she alleged that the makers delayed approving her resignation and instead sent her a legal notice for breaching her contract. The notice claimed that she had made unauthorized third-party endorsements and appearances without obtaining the necessary written consent, which Sindhwani vehemently denied.
Allegations of Exploitation and Mental Harassment
Sindhwani accused the makers of emotionally blackmailing her and making her exit from the show difficult. She stated that despite her efforts to resolve the issues amicably, the production team treated her unfairly, including subjecting her to mental trauma and mistreatment on the set. She also revealed that she experienced panic attacks on set, which were ignored by the production team.
The actress further claimed that the production house had not paid her pending dues of ₹21 lakh, adding to her grievances. Sindhwani expressed her deep disappointment over the false allegations and legal actions taken by the makers, asserting that no breach of agreement occurred.
Legal Notice and Contract Dispute
The legal notice sent by Neela Film Productions outlined several key provisions in her exclusive artist agreement that were allegedly violated. However, Sindhwani argued that she had been doing brand endorsements without any objection from the production house until she decided to quit the show. She received a copy of her contract only on September 19, 2024, five years after signing it.
Sindhwani has sought legal advice and plans to take appropriate action to protect her career. Her last working day on the show is set for September 30, 2024.
Precedent of Controversy
This is not the first time that Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been embroiled in controversy. Previous actors, including Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal and Shailesh Lodha, have also accused the makers of unpaid dues, mental harassment, and exploitation.
