Palak Sindhwani, who is seen as Sonu Bhide in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, is currently embroiled in a legal battle with the show's makers. The actress had released an official statement, accusing the makers of exploiting her. Her statement came after she received a legal notice from the production, alleging that she breached her initial contract. Earlier today, Times Now/ Telly Talk India had spoken to a source close to producer Asit Modi who had given out his side of the story.
And now, we have taken an exclusive interview of Palak Sindhwani who gives us a detailed explanation of what exactly went wrong.
Excerpts from the conversation:
A lot is going around right now with you and TMKOC makers. Tell us what exactly happened from the beginning?
I had told the makers that mujhe pyaar se jana hai. It's a pattern they have. The people who want to leave, they make their lives a hell. Bhot pareshan karte hai. This has happened in the past as well. Sabke sath kuch na kuch hua hain be it legal or payment issues. I wanted to end things amicably and the company's representative supported my decision. They knew I had given five years to the show. They held a meeting and emotionally blackmailed me. They threatened me a lot saying 'show chodogi toh achcha nahin hoga'. I still was adamant that I wanted to leave because my health wasn't fine. They were not sending me the email ID where I could tender my resignation. They also told me that they would give me the dates of my notice period despite me saying that it's for three months. I was okay with all of this but nothing was happening.
Also Read: 'Palak Sindhwani Was Adamant Despite Several Notices, Refused To Co-Operate,' Reveals TMKOC Insider – Exclusive
And then?
I sent a crying voice note to Asit sir. I begged him to relieve me and give me the email ID. I told him even ki sir aap jo bologe main vaisa karungi. I was ready to serve four months notice period. But jo harkate inhone kiya na, main chup nahin rah payi.
What did they do to you exactly?
They released false media statements about me saying I have breached the contract. I learn this from the media only. This never came up in five years but until now. I immediately called up the company rep and asked him but he had no idea he said. This happened on September 14. I kept shooting for the show and these people were backstabbing me. I tried contacting Asit sir and I was no unwell. I wanted him to give me an explanation and asked him to talk to me urgently. He messaged me saying, 'If someone is available, they'll contact.' Is this how a producer replies? Then he says someone will connect with me five days later and my reply was, 'how am I supposed to work with so much anxiety?' He tells me, 'Work with passion and love'. I cried and I got a panic attack.
What about the breach of contract news that went viral?
The journalists told me that the makers of TMKOC were the ones who had leaked the article. But these people were not accepting. I kept shooting and crying. I gave them five years of my life. Asit sir had told me not to pick the calls from the media too. I told them all that these are rumours.
A meeting had also happened on the sets with you. What took place there?
Yes, a meeting was also held but they did not bring up the topic of breach of contract there. They don't give us a copy of the contract anyway, the one I had signed five years ago. I had asked them there and then if I could do ads and they had readily agreed on the condition that it shouldn't affect my shoot dates for TMKOC. I assured them it wouldn't. Me and other artists of the show have been doing campaigns since long. How did I breach anything.
Also Read:Palak Sindhwani To Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal: TMKOC Actors Who Had Controversial Exits From The Show
Did you ask them?
Yes, I asked them why they didn't bring this up four years ago. They are talking about this when I am putting my resignation. Baki artists bhi kar rahe hai na? I told them if they had a problem with me, they should've just come to me and not the media. They still denied spreading the reports. This happened on September 18. When I asked them how I breached the contract, they had nothing to say. They asked me to send them a list of everything I have done till date and whatever I have earned from it. Then vo dekhenge. I asked them if they'll be doing the same with the other actors, but they said, 'unka mat dekhiye'. It was clear exploitation. They also threatened to delete my Instagram. They blackmailed me. They thought I would keep quiet even after this.
You obviously didn't stay quiet. What happened next?
I still kept pleading with Asit sir to send me the email ID so I can send in my resignation. I kept crying and he simply replied, 'Our company rep will do the needful'. When they saw that I still wanted to leave, they sent a legal notice to my house on September 20. I consulted a legal firm then and told them the entire story. They also said that it was a clear case of exploitation.
You said they had allowed you to do advertisements four years ago. Is there any proof of that?
No, it was all done verbally back then. It was a one-sided contract.
Also Read: Palak Sindhwani VS TMKOC Row: Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal Supports Her, Says ‘It Is A Vanvaas’ – Exclusive
Are your co-stars supporting you?
No yar, they can't. Even when Jennifer didi's thing happened, I didn't speak up. We're their employees, we can't speak up against them. I wouldn't even expect them to. But they are supporting me behind the scenes. It takes a lot of courage.
What happened with the legal case they sent you?
They claimed that I was quitting TMKOC just because they sent me a legal notice. They changed the whole narrative. They wanted me to give them a share of whatever I earned through those ads. But apke show ke character ka naam use kiya maine kahi? Nahin na? I never thought they would do this to me.
Also Read: TMKOC’s Palak Sindhwani Accuses Makers Of Mental Harassment, Quits Show After Suffering Panic Attack
Jennifer Mistry has accused Asit Modi of sexual harassment. Did you ever experience that too?
No, never. I know Asit sir's wife very well. They just harassed me mentally.
You are still shooting?
Mere se roz shoot kara hain ye log even though I am not well. There's another actor here who is terribly unwell but still being made to shoot. Sabki majboori hain. I won't be surprised if tomorrow someone speaks against me. This happened during Jennifer's time too.
You have also accused them of non-payment of dues amounting Rs 21 lakh
Yes, it's pending still the past one year. My difference is still not cleared. My installments are left. When I leave the show, they'll be owing me at least Rs 25 lakh. Vo bhi atka na de because they have a reputation.