Jennifer Mistry Recalls Years of Sexual Harassment on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Set
Mumbai, July 29, 2025 – Actress Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, widely recognized for her role as Mrs. Roshan Sodhi in the long-running Indian sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), has once again brought to light shocking allegations of sexual harassment against the show’s producer, Asit Kumarr Modi. In a recent exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Mistry detailed a series of disturbing incidents spanning several years, shedding light on what she describes as a toxic workplace culture that enabled persistent abuse.
Trigger Warning: This article contains accounts of alleged sexual harassment that some readers may find distressing.
Mistry, who was part of the beloved sitcom for 15 years before her departure in March 2023, recounted a troubling incident from 2018 involving Sohail Ramani, the show’s Operations Head. After facing verbal abuse from Ramani over the phone, Mistry approached Modi for support. Instead of addressing her concerns, Modi allegedly made inappropriate comments, saying, “Sexy lag rahi ho” (You’re looking sexy), reducing a professional grievance to a personal and offensive remark. “It completely scared me,” Mistry recalled, highlighting the emotional toll of the incident.
Another chilling account dates back to a shoot in Singapore in March 2019, where Modi allegedly suggested drinking whiskey together in his hotel room, citing her roommate’s absence. Mistry further alleged that during a conversation at a coffee shop, Modi made a lewd remark: “Tumhare hoat bade sexy hai. Aisa lagta hai pakad ke kiss karlu” (Your lips are very sexy. I feel like grabbing and kissing them). These words, Mistry said, left her terrified and contributed to her eventual decision to leave the show.
Mistry’s allegations, first made public in 2023, led to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Modi, Ramani, and executive producer Jatin Bajaj under sections 354 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code for assault and outraging the modesty of a woman. In February 2024, a Local Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act of 2013 found Modi guilty, ordering him to pay Mistry Rs 5 lakh as compensation for harassment, along with her outstanding dues estimated at Rs 25-30 lakh. However, Mistry has expressed frustration, noting that over a year later, she has yet to receive the compensation, and no charge sheet has been filed in the FIR lodged at Powai police station.
“I have written to the Prime Minister’s office, the home minister, the commissioner of police, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and the National Commission for Women,” Mistry stated, expressing her disappointment with the lack of progress. She was particularly disheartened by the response from the National Commission for Women, which claimed her case did not fall under their jurisdiction. “Strangely, a sexual harassment case is not in their jurisdiction,” she remarked.
Mistry’s revelations have been supported by former TMKOC co-stars, including Monika Bhadoriya and Priya Ahuja Rajda, who have spoken about the toxic work environment and mental harassment on set, though they did not comment on the sexual harassment allegations. Director Malav Rajda also backed Mistry, refuting claims by the production house that labeled her as unprofessional. However, Mistry expressed disappointment over the lack of support from other colleagues, notably Mandar Chandwadkar, who she claimed was aware of her ordeal but defended Modi. In contrast, she praised co-star Munmun Dutta for confronting Modi and actor Gurucharan Singh for intervening when Modi’s behavior made her uncomfortable.
The actress also highlighted the personal toll of her legal battle, including social ostracization. “Women in my society stopped talking to me after I accused the producer,” Mistry shared in a 2023 interview with indianexpress.com, underscoring the stigma faced by women who speak out. Despite her victory in the harassment case, Mistry remains dissatisfied, as Ramani and Bajaj faced no consequences, and she believes the Rs 5 lakh compensation does not adequately address the trauma, loss of employment, and reputational damage she endured.
“I knew from the beginning that I would win,” Mistry said, crediting her lawyer Ammitt Khare, her husband Bobby Bansiwal, and her supporters for standing by her. “This victory might encourage other women to come forward, but it’s a bigger fight for justice,” she added, emphasizing that her case underscores the challenges ordinary women face in seeking accountability.
The allegations have cast a shadow over Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, one of India’s longest-running sitcoms, beloved for its family-friendly humor since 2008. As the #MeToo movement continues to gain traction in India, Mistry’s courage in speaking out serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issues of workplace harassment, even in seemingly wholesome productions. Fans and industry observers await further developments, as Mistry vows to continue her fight for justice, stating, “Satyamev Jayate” (Truth shall prevail).
Sources: Pinkvilla, ETimes, India Today, Hindustan Times, The Economic Times