Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; March 25, 2017)

Shilpa Shinde, best remembered as Angoori bhabhi from daily soap Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai, has filed a sexual harassment case against the show’s producer Sanjay Kohli. Sanjay and his wife, Benaifer, run Edit 2 Productions, which makes Kavita Kaushik starrer-FIR and comic caper Madam, May I Come In? The FIR, a copy of which is with mid-day, was filed at Waliv police station in Vasai. “In the past year, I battled depression and medical issues. I spoke out since it was getting to me. I know many women from the industry are afraid to speak up, but I want to, on their behalf.”

Shilpa, who was part of the show for over a year, claims in her FIR that Sanjay would call her “sexy”, hug her forcefully and touch her waist and breasts. “Once make-up man Pinku Patwa saw him harassing me. Pinku was sacked the next day. When I spurned his advances, he sacked me from the show,” says Shilpa.

Shilpa says she had a tough time filing the case. “I went to the police station thrice this week with my lawyer. The cop, Mahesh Patil, was indifferent and insensitive.”

After her exit from Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai, Shilpa accused the producers of torture. CINTAA stepped in and she wasn’t allowed to take up any other show. The Kohlis sued her for Rs 12 crore, but Shilpa claims they owe her Rs 32 lakh. Binaifer rubbishes her claims. “We’ve a strong case against her for the damages she caused; that figure runs into crores. But I have full faith in the judiciary; we will see her in court.”