Actor Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal Exposes Harassment and Toxicity on ‘TMKOC’ Set

Actress Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal was straightforward in her accusations against Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasma producer Asit Modi, alleging sexual harassment and highlighting the show’s toxic environment. She emphasized that while there were more significant issues, the smaller details also played a crucial role in understanding the oppressive atmosphere on the set, making it difficult for artists to cope.

According to the actor, the production team neglected basic amenities. They were not provided with clean clothes and had to wear the same costume for up to 20 days, resulting in unpleasant odors due to continuous shooting. Some favored individuals had their clothes washed by the team, while others had to manage on their own. Jennifer has lodged a complaint against the producer, but she is facing obstacles, as the police seem to be dragging their feet and not taking prompt action. This has left her upset, as she feels the pursuit of justice is being hindered.

Regarding the hardships faced on the set, Jennifer reveals that the cast, especially female actors, had to endure prolonged waits in costume and makeup without being provided food. Basic necessities like water were scarce, and those who asked for more were reprimanded. Even something as simple as biscuits was hard to come by, and dinner arrangements were inadequate. The lack of consideration for actors’ needs during night shifts was particularly disheartening.

The situation regarding clothes, accessories, and shoes was no better. For a long time, actors had to arrange and bring their own items for shoots. Jennifer herself used her personal jewelry for the show, and actors had to start paying for their shoes several years ago. Before that, they were given worn-out shoes that were unusable. Surprisingly, children on the set were also left to arrange their own clothes; production did not provide them.

Jennifer believes these issues were a result of a hierarchical system on the set, where a few actors were given preferential treatment with makeup and tissues, while the rest had to make do with towels, which were washed and reused. This lack of consideration for health and hygiene was a major concern. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, proper precautions were not taken to protect the actors. The production merely went through the motions of adhering to guidelines for showreels sent to CINTAA, without genuinely implementing safety measures. Vanity vans for female actors were in poor condition, with cockroaches infesting them, while the ones assigned to male leads were luxurious. Complaints fell on deaf ears, and they were made to feel insignificant by the production, often being referred to as fillers.