Palak Sindhwani, best known for her role as Sonu Bhide in the beloved television series Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has come forward with serious allegations against the show’s producers, claiming she has been exploited during her tenure. In a candid conversation with ETimes, Palak revealed that discussions regarding an exclusivity contract were never initiated, and her attempts to resign were met with unfair treatment from the production team.
Palak’s accusations intensified when she stated that the producers wrongfully claimed she had breached her contract, a claim she vehemently disputes. “It was emotionally draining—I was hurt inside and mentally affected. I would cry in my makeup room and then pull myself together for the shots,” she shared, shedding light on the emotional toll the situation has taken on her.
After expressing her desire to leave the show in August, Palak felt the atmosphere shifted dramatically. “This only came up after I announced I was leaving the show. When I asked for a copy of the contract, they gave it to me on September 19, just a day after the meeting,” she added, indicating a lack of transparency and support from the producers.
In her distressing account, Sindhwani mentioned that the production house even threatened her to delete her social media accounts, which would hinder her ability to secure brand endorsements. “I pointed out that almost all the actors are doing brand endorsements, so why was I the only one being accused of breaching the contract? They responded that their contracts are different and I shouldn’t compare myself with others,” she noted, revealing the unfair treatment she has faced.
Despite grappling with health issues, Palak continued to fulfill her shooting commitments. “Only I know how I managed the last 6-7 days. I’ve been mentally harassed by them, and these have been the most traumatic days of my life. They call me to shoots and make me sit for 12 hours, even though my actual work only takes 30 minutes,” she explained, emphasizing the exhausting demands placed on her by the production team.
Adding to her grievances, Palak stated that she is still awaiting the payment of her outstanding dues, totaling over Rs 21 lakhs. “Till date, Palak is not even paid her outstanding dues, which is over 21 lakhs. This shows that the production house is in breach and not Palak,” the statement read. Palak is reportedly contemplating filing both criminal and civil cases against the concerned officials of the production house for harassment and torture.
As the situation unfolds, the entertainment industry watches closely, anticipating the implications of Palak’s claims and the potential consequences for the producers of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The incident raises broader questions about the treatment of actors within the industry and the need for transparent and fair labor practices.
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