TMKOC former director Malav Rajda supports actress who accused the show’s team of harassment: ‘She was friendly with everyone’

Malav Rajda, who directed Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah for 14 years, said that the actress who has accused key producers of harassment was always disciplined on the sets of the show.

By: Entertainment Desk

New Delhi | May 18, 2023 09:24 AM IST

3 min read

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is the longest running Hindi TV show.

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Director Malav Rajda, who worked on the hit sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah for over 14 years, has now spoken up in favour of the actress who accused the team of the show, including producer Asit Kumarr Modi, of harassment. Soon after the actress’ accusations came to light, the production team of the show accused her of being unprofessional and lacking in discipline. They even accused her of being abusive on the sets of the show. Malav said that the production team’s accusations are completely false and supported the actress.

In a chat with ETimes, Malav said that the actress is “one of the most jovial people on the sets.” He described her as a “happy go lucky person” and said that she got along with everyone. He added that she “never misbehaved” with anyone ever in front of him, and has “never ever been abusive on the sets.” Regarding the claims that she had a habit of arriving late on set, Malav said that the shoot never suffered because of her during his 14 years on the show. “A lot of actors arrive late on the sets and we know the Mumbai traffic. So, half an hour late is fine,” he said.

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Malav went on to praise the actress and said that she would sometimes do her own makeup and hair so there were no delays. “She was someone who would sit together with all the actors, including males, and have lunch. It was not once or twice, it was a daily routine for her. I don’t think anyone would interact and sit with a person who would be so abusive on the sets. She was very good and friendly with everyone,” he said.

The actress accused Asit Kumarr Modi, Sohil Ramani and Jatin Bajaj of harassment. In an earlier interview with ETimes, she had said that during a shoot in Singapore, Asit said that he wanted to kiss her and would ask her for drinks repeatedly. She shared that she ignored his advances and told two of her colleagues about the incident and they tried to shield her from him. She has also accused the show of firing her during her pregnancy.

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