Since its debut in 2008, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) has become one of the most popular sitcoms in India. Throughout the years, the show has seen many new faces join its ensemble cast, while others have departed for various reasons. One such departure that left fans in shock was that of Shailesh Lodha, who portrayed the titular character. His unexpected exit from the show dismayed many loyal viewers.
Once, during an interview with Lallantop, the 54-year-old actor shared why he left the show abruptly. He revealed that the show’s producer, Asit Kumarr Modi, had “verbally disrespected” him, leading him to decide to exit the show all of a sudden. Lodha recalled that he was invited as a celebrity guest to a stand-up comedy show titled Good Night India on SAB TV.
Just a day before the scheduled telecast of an episode, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) producer Asit Modi called Shailesh Lodha to question his appearance on another show. Lodha clarified that he was invited as poet ‘Shailesh Lodha’ and not as TMKOC’s ‘Taarak Mehta.’ He stated, “I shot for it and even recited a poem there. A day before the telecast, Taarak Mehta’s producer called me asking how I could be on that show.”
Sharing that Asit Modi used derogatory language, the poet-turned-actor said, “Unhone (Asit Modi) asabhya bhasha mein baat ki, jo mujhse bardaasht nahi huyi (I could not tolerate the uncultured language he used for me)” and further added, “A show is made by many people coming together and not just one person. I thus mailed him on February 17, 2022, that I would not like to continue with the show.”
In the same interview, Lodha revealed that the producers had not cleared his payments, even when he understood they needed more time to conclude his part. He alleged that the producer withheld his payment as a means of manipulation. Lodha also mentioned that Modi had asked him to sign certain papers, which he declined as he was uninterested in further dealings with the producer. After a prolonged delay, he sent another email indicating that he would continue shooting as a gesture of goodwill but would cease thereafter.
Lodha further noted that the producers insisted he sign an agreement, which he viewed as an attempt to silence him. He remarked, “Why do I take his permission before going on social media or speaking to the media? These are my basic rights. And why do I do it after I leave the show? The matter was never about money or payment but about how he spoke in an insulting tone. I had to go to the court, and the settlement was done.”
Shailesh won the legal battle earlier in 2023, freeing himself from the shackles of TMKOC, which he had been part of since its inception. Now, Sachin Shroff currently plays his part.
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