Popular television show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah finds itself embroiled in yet another legal controversy, with the latest dispute involving actress Palak Sindhwani, who portrays Sonu Bhide. The show’s producers have officially issued a notice to Sindhwani, citing violations of her contract. The notice alleges that she engaged in unauthorized third-party endorsements and appearances without obtaining the required written approval, breaching the terms of her exclusivity agreement.
According to the notice, these violations, which allegedly compromised the integrity of the character and the show itself, continued despite several verbal and written warnings. As a result, the makers were compelled to take legal action.
Responding to the notice, Palak Sindhwani hinted at her exit from the show, marking yet another high-profile departure from the long-running series.
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah- Legal cases
This isn’t the first legal issue the Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah team has faced. Earlier, actress Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, who portrayed Roshan Bhabhi, lodged a formal complaint against the show’s producer, Asit Modi, along with operation head Sohail Ramani and executive producer Jatin Bajaj. Bansiwal alleged inappropriate behavior, including flirting and sexual advances from the accused.
Jennifer later won her case, with the verdict requiring Asit Modi to pay Rs. 5 lakh in addition to settling her unpaid dues. However, she expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome. “It’s been over 40 days, and I still haven’t received my due payment. Although Mr. Modi was found guilty of sexual harassment, there was no punishment for Sohail and Jatin, which is disappointing,” Jennifer stated.
The actress added that, despite the recognition of her harassment claim, she felt the justice was incomplete. “My case was validated, and this shows I wasn’t looking for cheap publicity. Still, I don’t believe I’ve received the full justice I deserve,” she concluded.
Before Jennifer’s case, actor Shailesh Lodha, who played the titular character of Taarak Mehta, also had a legal dispute with the show’s producers over unpaid dues. In 2023, Lodha won his case, compelling the makers to settle the full amount owed to him.
Having premiered on July 28, 2008, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continues to air on Sony SAB and is available for streaming on the Sony LIV platform. Despite its success and longevity, the show has seen numerous controversies, leading to several actors parting ways with the series.