The war of words between Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) producer Asit Modi and actor Shailesh Lodha doesn't seem like it's going to end any time soon. After Lodha alleged that the producer wanted him to sign some papers to clear his dues, and that he did not "bow down to the arm-twisting," Modi has put out an official statement, in which he has said that it was Lodha who refused to complete his relieving formalities, due to which the makers were unable to clear his dues. Taking to Twitter, now X, Modi wrote, "Shailesh Lodha should stop spreading wrong information about the recently concluded court case." Modi also attached snapshots of the official documents of the settlement agreement. He added, "To put things on record, Shailesh Lodha had refused to complete his relieving formalities and sign the exit documents. Pending which we at Neela Film , were unable to clear his dues. M/s Neela film had even deducted and paid the TDS on his dues as soon as his invoice was received. We had even prepared a demand draft towards his dues." Asit also revealed that the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) ensured that Lodha signed the exit documents. He wrote, "The honourable NCLT court through its order ensured that Shailesh Lodha signed the exit documents and completed the formalities in the court. Post which we released his dues. The very statement that he won the case is a wrong representation on the part of Shailesh Lodha, as the court order says that it was settled with consent. We are unable to understand his intentions behind sharing false information that too of a case that was consensually settled few months back in MAY’23. We would appreciate that he should put this to rest and stop twisting facts for his personal gains." Shailesh Lodha should stop spreading wrong information about the recently concluded court case. To put things on record, Shailesh Lodha had refused to complete his relieving formalities and sign the exit documents. Pending which we at Neela Film , were unable to clear his… pic.twitter.com/AiZGutPa20 — Asit Kumarr Modi (@AsitKumarrModi) August 10, 2023 Calling Lodha "family", Modi added that the actor was also paid his fees on time and that he never had any complaints ever before. "He worked with us for 14 years and he was family for us. We have always supported him beyond work during his early days. On the professional side, he was always paid on time for all these years. He never had any complaint during his term and hence we were surprised as well as saddened by his behaviour upon exit. We had no intention of withholding his dues but then every corporate has exit formalities that need to be completed, which he refused to abide by. We are thankful to the court that helped us reach a closure in this matter," Modi concluded his statement. Last week, after the verdict, Lodha had spoken to Bombay Times where he claimed that Asit wanted him to sign some papers to clear his dues. He had also said that “the fight was never about the money," but “it was about seeking justice and self-respect." He said, "I feel like I have won a battle and I am happy that the truth has prevailed.”
