Palak Sindhwani To Shailesh Lodha: TMKOC Actors Who Had Controversial Exits From The Show

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is considered one of the most loved shows on Indian television since 2008. However, the behind-the-scenes reality presents a different story. Over the years, several actors, including Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, Shailesh Lodha, and Neha Mehta, have left the show due to negative experiences while filming the show. Sonu Bhide aka Palak Sindhwani has recently joined this list, claiming that the producers subjected her to mental harassment. Let’s explore the controversial departures of actors from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

Priya Ahuja

Rita Reporter, known as Priya Ahuja, left the show in 2024 because her character had little development. 

The actress once revealed in an interview that Asit advised her, "Why do you need to work? Malav is working, right?" For context, her husband, Malav Rajda, who is a director, also departed from the show due to creative disagreements with the production team.

Monika Bhadoriya

Monika Bhadoriya, known for her role as Bawri, left TMKOC in 2019 due to issues related to behaviour and finances with the production team. She had been part of the show from 2013 to 2019. Monika claimed that Asit Kumarr Modi pressured her to return to work within a week of her mother’s passing.

In an old interview, she revealed, “They do not value females. When a female actor finishes her shoot, they often ask her to stay back. They prioritise completing the male actors’ shoots first. No matter what, they do not respect females there.” She also stated, “Male actors receive higher pay. We earn significantly less compared to them, even when our screen time is equal. They mistreat female actors. What else can you expect? I can’t even describe the things they say. I can’t use such foul language.”

Gurucharan Singh

Gurucharan Singh portrayed Roshan Sodhi in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah until 2012, returning briefly in 2013. He ultimately departed from the show in 2020 after being absent for 25 days due to payment disputes. 

He alleged that he had been replaced in 2012 without prior notice. According to sources, Gurucharan often displayed unprofessional behaviour, leaving the show after a disagreement with the production team and was provided with a four-month notice period.

Neha Mehta

One of the main leads, Neha Mehta, known for her character Anjali Mehta in TMKOC, departed from the show in 2020 because of payment problems.

She disclosed that the producers had not settled her outstanding dues for an extended period.

Shailesh Lodha

Shailesh Lodha, who played Taarak Mehta in the show, left it after getting ill-treated by producer Asit Kumarr Modi. He even took legal action against the producers for unpaid wages. In March, he filed a complaint against Asit Modi and his production company. 

To seek a resolution, he also contacted the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). In a surprising development, Lodha won the case in August and reportedly received a settlement of Rs 1.05 crore from Modi.

Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal

Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, known for her role as Mrs Roshan Singh Sodhi in TMKOC, has accused producer Asit Kumarr Modi of sexual harassment. 

She also alleged that the production house's officials subjected her to mental distress. Currently, she is pursuing legal action against the makers to recover her dues.

Director Malav Rajda

Malav Rajda’s sudden exit from the popular comedy series marked an unexpected conclusion to his 14 years on the show. Reports suggested that disagreements with the director and production team led to his departure. However, when approached by the media, Rajda denied these allegations, stating that he left Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to pursue personal growth, rather than due to any conflicts with the team.

Palak Sindhwani

In the most recent, Palak Sindhwani who played Sonu in the show, stated that she experienced mental harassment while on set, which led to a panic attack. 

As a result, she has chosen to leave the show, with her final day scheduled for September 30, 2024.