Palak Sindhwani Speaks Out on Harsh Working Conditions and Threats from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Producers

Palak Sindhwani Speaks Out on Harsh Working Conditions and Threats from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Producers

Palak Sindhwani, known for her role as Sonu Bhide on the hit TV show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, is making headlines following some serious allegations against the program’s creators. She recently left the series—stating she had been bullied during her time there so much that it affected her health.

Now reports claim there may be a legal dispute brewing between Neela Film Productions and the actor, with some suggesting they are about to take action after learning she allegedly accepted other jobs without telling them. But Sindhwani has hit back, saying this simply isn’t true, and she felt harassed by members of their team: “I would like to say that whatever has come out (sic) is completely false! Not only this but also faced behavior that made me uncomfortable several times.”

Furthermore, in an interview published earlier today (Saturday), the young female lead artist spoke out angrily over allegations of unpaid fees totaling INR 21 lakh, stating that while there were certain days when ill effects meant being unable to continue shooting pressure put upon her working into late hours at night too!”

During an interaction, Palak opened up on her ordeal: “Although they didn’t talk to me about signing any exclusivity agreement, the moment I told them in August that I wanted to quit the show, it was as if I became a target of exploitation. Probably they never imagined that I would wait until May 2022 to leave; hence, they started treating me unfairly from September onwards.

The exploitation reached its peak when they accused me of violating the terms of the contract. I was affected by media reports but refused to take things lying down. I kept asking how soon I could tender my resignation letter officially. This entire phase was emotionally very draining—I’d weep in my makeup room only to pull myself together for shots.”

During a meeting on September 18th, Palak discussed how the producers had accused her of breaking her contract. She only found out about this after she had said that she was leaving the show. Palak said that she felt like they were threatening her when they told her they could delete her Instagram account with no problem, meaning she wouldn’t be able to do any sponsored posts (collaborate with brands). When Palak reminded them that lots of other actors also did ads on social media and stuff like that, the bosses said it wasn’t the same thing at all!

Palak recalled how she kept on filming for them despite health issues, providing medical reports when necessary. She had tried to get some time off because of her condition, she said, but they would not allow it, instead insisting that she work 12-hour days non-stop. This had left her isolated on set, unable to meet people or even deal with a legal notice served on her there.

Also Read: Palak Sidhwani Speaks Out on Legal Notice After Quitting TMKOC: ‘Just Because I Want to Leave the Show’

“I alone know how I’ve managed these past 6-7 days; it’s been sheer mental torture,” she said. “These have probably been the worst days of my life.” They call me to the sets and make me wait for 12 hours, although they could very well finish my part within half an hour.” Her team further pointed out that outstanding dues from Neela Film Productions amounted to over Rs 21 lakh—a sum still unpaid even though they keep calling her in. Amidst these claims and counterclaims, if things do not take a different turn soon, then either party may find themselves facing legal action: for harassment on one side or false allegations on the other.