Showing posts with label Haarsh Limbachiyaa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Haarsh Limbachiyaa. Show all posts
Shilpa Shinde on retracting her sexual harassment allegation against producer Sanjay Kohli: "I wanted to come clean"
10:56 PM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (June 4, 2026)
Nearly a decade after accusing Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! producer Sanjay Kohli of sexual harassment, actor Shilpa Shinde has claimed that the allegations were “false” and made because she had “no other option” to exit a contractual dispute.
Shilpa, who played Angoori Bhabhi before being replaced by Shubhangi Atre in 2016, was embroiled in one of TV’s biggest public fallouts. She had accused Kohli and the production team of sexual harassment, mental torture, non-payment of dues and creating a hostile work environment. The dispute also involved industry bodies, including CINTAA and the producers’ association, before ending in a settlement.
Speaking on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s podcast, Shilpa said, “I filed a sexual harassment case against my producer because I had no other option. Eventually, I got out of that situation because the matter was settled. I filed the case on that basis because the police directly tell you that if you want an FIR registered, you have to make serious allegations.”
Shilpa said she felt trapped despite having quit the show and claimed Kohli later understood the circumstances that led to the complaint. “Poor man, he ended up getting defamed because of it. Today, through this platform, I want to say that it was false. I am confessing this for the first time,” she said.
Shilpa returned to Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! in 2025 and says she now shares a cordial relationship with the team. We reached out to Sanjay Kohli for comment. No response was received till the time of going to press.
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Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; June 5, 2026)
Nearly a decade after her acrimonious exit from the TV show Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai!, Shilpa Shinde returned to the show last December. This came as a surprise to everyone because the actress had accused producer Sanjay Kohli of sexual harassment, non-payment of dues and creating a hostile work environment in 2016. In a recent podcast, Shilpa admitted that the allegation that she had made against him was false. Her remarks have also raised uncomfortable questions about accountability and the impact such reversals can have on survivors of workplace harassment. It is against this backdrop that we spoke to Shinde.
‘I cannot even begin to explain the kind of harassment I went through during that phase’
Recalling how the dispute escalated at that time, Shilpa says, “I was asked to sign an exclusivity contract with the channel for the show. In return, I asked for a 25 per cent raise and five days off every month, but they didn’t agree. After that, stories started circulating that I was troubling the producers and wasn’t reporting to the shoot. CINTAA (Cine and TV Artistes Association) asked me to resume shooting the very next day without anyone hearing my side of the story. I told them my dues of Rs. 37 lakh should be cleared, and then I would return to work immediately. Meanwhile, auditions for my replacement were being conducted without informing me.”
She adds, “No one was taking my calls. Main 20 saal se industry mein kaam kar rahi hoon, aur aap kisi ko is tarah badnaam karte ho. No one tried to understand the challenges I was dealing with. I cannot even begin to explain the kind of harassment I went through during that phase.”
‘Sanjay Kohli is a nice man and was the one person who could have resolved the issue back then’
Speaking about Sanjay Kohli, she says, “He is a nice man. He speaks softly and knows how to get work done. What I never understood was why he wasn’t present at the meetings around my exit. He was the one person who could have resolved the issue. The matter was eventually settled in court, and we agreed not to speak about each other after that. After all this, I continued receiving offers to return to Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! from different quarters. And finally, I took it up in December last year, and things have been fine between all of us.”
When asked whether her allegation could undermine the experiences of women who genuinely face sexual harassment, Shilpa says, “A year of my life went by dealing with all this. A fake MMS of mine was also circulated at the time, which caused even more stress. I have a family, too. Jo mere saath hua, I wanted to return it.”
I’m glad Shilpa came forward with the truth: Binaiferr Kohli
When contacted, Binaiferr Kohli chose not to comment on the larger controversy. She said, “Shilpa speaking up and admitting that she falsely accused my husband after so many years was unexpected. I am glad she came forward with the truth and clarified the matter, as we have always known what the truth was. We have moved on, and I do not wish to comment further on the matter.”
Shilpa’s admission that she falsely accused producer Sanjay Kohli has sparked a discussion in the industry. Hina Khan, without naming Shilpa, posted on Instagram.
She wrote, “Yes, using your sex to malign someone’s image in order to Win during a conflict is absolutely shameful. And everyone is Absolutely Right to Call it out and demand justice. I am shocked beyond words... But I want to talk about the “Real Victim” here. A respected Man with a wife, a daughter and many other women in his family.. A real hardworking producer with many iconic shows. Who went through such an ordeal. As admitted by the Female Actor, her allegations were not just baseless they were used to gain advantage, to win, to score, to claim, to settle without the utilisation of Law. And even after that, the SAME producer gives the SAME show to the SAME person. Another LAUNCHPAD, another MOUTHPIECE, another RELEVANCE, another CHANCE to legitimise her Fake Claim of SEXUAL ASSAULT.. What if the Actor repeats it? After all the actor has been given the same show by the one she falsely ACCUSED... I AM APPALLED. THE JOKE IS ON US (sic).”
All of Bharti Singh’s and my efforts, paisa has gone into our channel, says Haarsh Limbachiyaa on YouTube hack crisis
11:05 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 21, 2024)
It was a stressful day for writer Haarsh Limbachiyaa and his wife, comedian Bharti Singh, who revealed on Thursday that their YouTube channel, Bharti TV, was hacked. The channel, which boasts three million subscribers and showcases their daily lives, was compromised.
Limbachiyaa recounts, “We upload videos daily, three or four times a day. Suddenly, around 6.30pm, we were logged out of our channel. When we checked, the channel was no longer visible, and everything — the name and videos — had been altered. We were confused and reached out to YouTube’s support via Twitter and Instagram.”
YouTube’s team from the United States then contacted them. “We emailed them, and due to the time difference, we spent the night working with their technical team to resolve the issue. Thankfully, we regained access to our channel by Friday morning,” Limbachiyaa shares.
He also notes the additional stress, saying, “It plays a very big role in our lives. It is very difficult to get people to subscribe to your channel, especially when your background isn’t in the medium. We were from TV and mainstream media, this world and YouTube’s world are completely different. We have built this channel over a period of four years. We started in 2020, and today, in 2024, our efforts and paisa, everything has been invested in this channel. We were under a lot of stress,” he ends.
NDPS court refuses to cancel bail granted to Bharti Singh, Haarsh Limbachiyaa
8:09 AM
Rebecca Samervel (THE TIMES OF INDIA; June 7, 2023)
Mumbai Observing it was the prosecution’s fault and there was no illegality committed by the magistrate in passing the bail order, a special NDPS court recently refused to cancel the bail granted to TV comedian Bharti Singh and her husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa, almost three years after they were released from jail in a drugs case.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had moved the special NDPS court in 2020 seeking cancellation as a magistrate’s court granted them the relief after neither the NCB nor the public prosecutor representing the investigating agency appeared before the court to make submissions on the bail pleas.
The special NDPS court pointed out that when the matter was posted a day after the bail plea was filed in the magistrate’s court, the agency did not come to court. “Therefore, it is not the case that (the) prosecution was not given (an) opportunity to oppose the applications but it is fault on the part of the prosecution that they did not avail the opportunity to file reply and to oppose the bail applications. The prosecution neither filed reply on bail applications nor filed any application for adjournment seeking time to file reply...Even investigating officer and special public prosecutor failed to appear before the court. Therefore, it is fault of prosecution,” the court said.
As pointed out by the couple’s advocates Ayaz Khan and Zehra Charania, the court also said that the offence involves punishment of up to one year in jail or with a fine of Rs 10,000 or both. “Since (the) present offence does not fall under category of any of the offences as given in Sec 37-Bof NDPS Act, the condition of giving opportunity to the public prosecutor is not applicable,” the court said.
The court also said that there are no allegations against the accused about their interference with the administration of justice, evasion or attempting to evade the due course of justice or about abusing the concession granted to them in any manner. “There are no allegations of committal of breach of conditions of bail order granted by… magistrate. Therefore, there are absolutely no grounds made out for cancellation of bail to the respondents. . . The application is devoid of merits and is liable to be rejected,” the court said.
In November 2020, the NCB allegedly recovered 86.5 grams of marijuana, also known as ganja, from Bharti and Haarsh’s home and office and they were taken into custody. In October 2022, NCB submitted chargesheet in which it cited statement of accused-turned approver Sowmiyanarayanan (23), a Bandra (E) musician, recorded before a magistrate’s court.
So what if my wife Bharti Singh takes home a fatter paycheck?-Haarsh Limbachiyaa
8:36 AM
S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 28, 2023)
Screenwriter-anchor Haarsh Limbachiyaa feels proud that his wife, comedian Bharti Singh, earns more than him. “So what if my wife takes home a fatter paycheck? I feel lucky that my wife is doing really well in life. I laugh at those who have a problem with her earning more than me, or being more popular. Aise log bahut kam hain jinko apni wife ki popularity se khushi hoti hai. Together, we make a happy world for ourselves. Others can think what they want to,” he says.
Their son, Laksh, will turn one on April 3. Sharing how the last one year of fatherhood has been for him, Limbachiyaa says, “The feeling is out of the world. Everything has changed for us, especially for me. Now, I plan a bit more and have become more serious. Even my writing has taken an upswing.”
On the work front, Limbachiyaa and Singh are excited about debuting as actors this year. “Bahut din se we have been looking forward to making our debut as actors on television. We wanted something good to come our way. And finally, there are a few exciting projects and our fans are in for a big surprise,” he says.
Interestingly, he has already had a few stints in front of the camera, thanks to his outings as an anchor on reality TV shows. “Anchoring comes naturally to me,” says the Comedy Circus writer, adding, “Itna likha hai life mein for other anchors that I feel comfortable being an anchor now.”
Haarsh Limbachiyaa and I want our son Laksh to know all rituals-Bharti Singh
8:24 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 24, 2022)
Diwali, today, is extra special for Bharti Singh, as it is her son, Laksh’s first. The comedienne says she and her husband, writer Haarsh Limbachiyaa, have a special celebration planned, as they want to instill traditions and values in their son — whom they fondly call Gola — early on.
“Haarsh and I want Laksh to witness everything. We will definitely have our Diwali puja as usual. We will take him out to the balcony to show him the celebrations around. I am sure he will be overjoyed as he has begun to recognise colours,” she tells us.
Not just Diwali, Singh is enjoying all festivals and traditions with her six-month-old. She says, “Every festival of Laksh’s is very special as it’s his first. Sometimes, Haarsh shouts at me for making our son wear traditional outfits. He is like, ‘Utaaro ye kapde, use uncomfortable feel karwa rahi hai’. But, I think it’s only a mother who can teach her child the value and significance of traditions and the way to celebrate a festival. Also, I feel abhi se aadat daalni chahiye bachhe ko. I dressed him up as Lord Krishna for Janmashtmi. I also made him wear traditional clothes on Raksha Bandhan and Karwa Chauth.”
Though this happens to be a memorable occasion, Singh says they are keeping things simple and intimate, and are avoiding crowded gatherings, keeping in mind the safety of her son.
“We didn’t have gatherings because of Covid-19 in the last two years, nor did we invite any friends to our place. This year, too, we intend to keep it simple... We are continuing to see Covid-19 cases here and there. Therefore, I cannot put my child’s health at risk. We will stay away from the crowd as much as possible,” she says, adding that she plans to visit her in-laws as well as her mother.
Another thing she is wary about is how her little one may react to the sound of firecrackers. “He is very young and could be scared by too much noise. So, I’m a little nervous... I hope we can all have a safe and happy Diwali,” she wraps up.
It's a boy for Bharti Singh, Haarsh Limbachiyaa and a girl for Gurmeet Choudhary, Debina Bonnerjee
8:21 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (April 5, 2022)
Bharti Singh, who was expecting her first child with husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa, took to social media on Sunday to share that they have welcomed a baby boy (left). Bharti took to her Instagram handle and posted a picture from her maternity shoot.
In the caption, she revealed, “It’s a BOY.” Following the revelation, several celebs shared their wishes for the couple.
Another TV couple, Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee, welcomed a baby girl on the same day (right). The couple shared a video giving a first glimpse of their baby’s little hand.
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (April 5, 2022)
It’s good news pouring in all the way from TV town. Comedian Bharti Singh and scriptwriter Haarsh Limbachiyaa, who got married in 2017, are now parents to a boy. Limbachiyaa made the announcement on Instagram on April 3 with a picture from Singh’s pregnancy shoot. He captioned it, “It’s a boy.” Singh had been working until a day before her delivery.
Also joining the first-time parents squad are actor couple Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee. They took to Instagram to announce the birth of their daughter. They shared a cute video of their newborn’s hand in theirs. However, the couple didn’t reveal the face of the child.
“With utmost gratitude, we welcome our baby girl into this world. 3.4.2022. Thank you for all your love and blessings. Love and gratitude, Gurmeet and Debina,” wrote the actors who got hitched in 2011.
Fans showered both sets of first-time parents with congratulatory messages.
Funny part is many thought it’s some kind of weight loss surgery that I underwent-Bharti Singh
8:08 AM
Comedian Bharti Singh shares her journey towards a fitter and better self
S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 20, 2022)
Comedian, actor, anchor Bharti Singh feels achieving a fitter self eventually led her not only to become a better person, but also helped her conceive in no time.
“It’s more about grit and determination. During the lockdown, I just decided to try intermittent fasting because gym toh mujhse hota hi naa. I wanted to get in shape because it was more about my well-being as a whole. Fasting and eating only in a fixed time span really worked wonders for me. After seven in the evening, I just refused to eat and soon this routine became part of me. I was so determined that aap chahe chappan bhog rakh do but I didn’t fall for it,” says Singh who was last seen hosting the reality show Dance Deewane.
Sharing how her fitness stint really worked for her, “Pehle se bahut patli ho gai main...Nobody believed my transformation of being fat to fit and now it’s simply fab for me. Funny part is many thought it’s some kind of weight-loss surgery that I underwent. I was like arey, mujhe inke naam bhi nahin pata, so how would I get one done? (laughs),” she says.
“Becoming fit and toned actually worked well for us (me and my husband, screenwriter Haarsh Limbachiyaa). I think it did make it somewhere easy for me to conceive last year, as we both greatly wanted to become parents. I am on mum-to-be diet for now and we are waiting for our bundle of joy to arrive in April this year,” Singh adds.
Known for her spontaneous acts and one liners, the Khiladi 786 (2012) and Sanam Re (2016) actor, says, “As a chef masters his craft, same way I too learnt the art of making people all happy and positive. At times it feel I have been into comedy since forever and so maybe it does come naturally to me. The one liners are like a tadka to any of my acts.”
For the comedian, it’s always about staying happy come what may. “I enjoy my work and thankfully it never feels that I am on a job or something. I have always enjoyed whatever work came to me and I think this adds positivity to all my projects too,” she concludes.
Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa expecting their first child?
8:26 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 9, 2021)
There has been much speculation about a new member in comedian Bharti Singh and her husband, writer and host Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s family for quite some time. And, we have now exclusively learnt that the couple is expecting their first child in 2022.
A source close to the couple confirms the pregnancy: “It is at a very early stage. Singh is already on rest and has halted her work commitments for now. She is not stepping out much and keeping a low-profile.” However, we have learnt that Singh will resume work in a few days. She will re-join Kapil Sharma’s comedy show soon.
When we contacted Singh for a clarification, she did not deny or confirm it. “I’m not going to deny or confirm anything. But when the time is right, I will speak openly about it. One can’t hide such things. So when I want to reveal it, I will do it publicly,” she explained, while her husband was unavailable for comment.
Singh and Limbachiyaa married in 2017 and celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary recently. Of late, the two have become absolute favourites with the paparazzi, who are constantly questioning them about the baby. “Rumours of us having a baby started since the day we got married,” the 37-year-old laughs.
The comedian had previously stated that she and her husband intended to have a child in 2020, but the pandemic put a halt to their plans.
I don’t mind getting married to Aly Goni this year-Jasmin Bhasin
8:16 AM
Unnati Joshi (BOMBAY TIMES; January 11, 2021)
After staying in the Bigg Boss house for 100 days, Jasmin Bhasin was evicted from the show. But the Dil Se Dil Tak actress says she is happy as her BFF turned BF, Aly Goni is still in the house. “I was sad about my eviction, it was shocking. But I was very happy for Aly. I wanted him to stay. He left the show once for me, I didn’t want him to go again. I will definitely miss him, main roz subah uth ke sabse pehle usko dekhti thi, I will miss that now,” she tells us.
After leaving the show, Jasmin decided to not go to her house, and instead, visited her friends Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa. “After leaving from the Bigg Boss house, I was thinking about a lot of things, including my fans’ reaction towards my game. I didn’t know what people outside were thinking about me. So, I was a little low and decided to go to Bharti and Haarsh’s house first. They are my support system. And I felt lighter after meeting them, phir maine chhole bhature bhi khaaye aur mutton biryani bhi,” she says laughing.
‘I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH ALY GONI’
When Jasmin’s parents visited her in the house during the family week recently, they pointed out that her love story perhaps is taking precedence over her gameplay. They even asked her to play solo. And it didn’t go down very well with Aly. “My parents were misunderstood. They asked me to focus on my game, jo bhi kaha unhone woh game ke liye kaha. Why will my parents have any problem with our relationship? I have had a discussion with them and they are very happy,” she says, adding, “I have fallen in love and it’s a beautiful feeling. I don’t mind getting married this year; my parents are okay with it. Once Aly comes out, they will meet his parents. We need to know what his parents have to say about it. I have met them a few times, but pehle hum sirf dost thay. Once they approve our relationship, phir main wait nahi karungi, I will get married. I know Aly is the one for me.”
‘IT’S NOT EASY TO LIVE WITH RAKHI SAWANT’
Jasmin and Rakhi Sawant’s recent altercation has grabbed a lot of eyeballs, though not for the right reasons. Mention that to her and she says, “I still believe that I didn’t hurt her, she banged her head multiple times on the table and injured herself. If it was because of me, I am really sorry about it. I didn’t want to hurt her intentionally. Maine unse maafi bhi maangi hai. To be honest, it’s not easy to live with her. She is entertaining when you see her one-minute videos on social media or watch her for an hour in a show. Living with her 24X7 is not easy. She is very irritating, har baat par drama karti hain woh. I didn’t like her personality and main unke game ki ninda karti hoon. I was always nice with her, unhone mera dil dukhaya hai by saying things about my character. But it’s done and dusted. Now, if I meet her, I will be nice to her.”
‘I CAN’T BE FRIENDS WITH RUBINA’
Talking about her on-and-off friendship with co-contestant Rubina Dilaik, Jasmin says, “Rubina and I had a very beautiful bond initially, but it got ruined during the show. She always spoke behind my back, while I said everything to her face. She was very mean to me. I don’t think we can ever be friends, but I don’t have any grudges against her. I think we can chill together if we meet socially.” Despite that, she feels Rubina can win the show. “She can win because of her cleverness and manipulation skills. I also see Aly as a winner because he has a clean heart and is playing well. He is equally strong,” she signs off.
I stand by Bharti Singh, she has my unconditional support-Krushna Abhishek
8:14 AM
Krushna Abhishek extends support to comedienne Bharti Singh, who found herself involved in the ongoing NCB drug probe recently
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; December 1, 2020)
‘NO SUCH DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE CHANNEL’
We asked Krushna if the reports hinting towards Bharti being dropped from TKSS are true, and he said, “Bilkul aisa nahi hai. I haven’t heard of any such discussion or development from the channel’s end. Even if something like this happens, I will support Bharti. She should get back to work. Jo ho gaya woh ho gaya. We stand by Bharti and both Kapil (Sharma) and I are with her. She has my unconditional support.”
When prodded about the shoot, which took place on November 27 in which Bharti was conspicuous by her absence, Krushna said, “I think Bharti was unwell. She herself didn’t want to shoot or else she would have come. We are like family.”
‘OUR EQUATION GOES BEYOND OUR PROFESSION’
For the actor-comedian, Bharti is like his sister. Krushna said, “I met Bharti and Haarsh soon after their release. We go back a long way. Our equation goes beyond our profession. I have seen Haarsh from his days of struggle. Mere saamne date karna shuru kiya tha dono ne and I even hosted their wedding.”
‘I DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE WORLD, BUT I AM STANDING BY BHARTI’
He added, “Bharti has stood beside me through thick and thin. She was the first person to meet me when my father was unwell and also when he passed away. She was the first person to call me when I had my twin boys. I fell sick while hosting an award function with Maniesh Paul, but Bharti filled in for me without batting an eyelid. Kaun karta hai kisi ke liye aisa. That’s the bond we share. So, I had to meet her at any cost after she was released. I don’t know about the world and others, but I am standing by Bharti.”
‘RAJU SRIVASTAVA NE TOH BOHOT HI BAKWAAS KEE HAI’
Krushna firmly believes that everyone deserves a second chance. He is particularly irked about fellow comedian Raju Srivastava’s statement on Bharti.
In an interview soon after her arrest, Raju had expressed his anger towards Bharti after she admitted to consuming drugs. He said that he didn’t think taking any form of drugs helped improve one’s ‘creativity’, ‘energy’ or ‘concentration’. “I’m not sure under whose influence she did this. Not only am I shocked, I’m angry,” he reportedly said.
Krushna said, “Raju Srivastava ne toh bohot hi bakwaas kee hai. What he said was shocking. Usne lifetime ke liye relationship kharaab kar liya hai sabke saath. Poori team hamaari naraaz hai usse for the comment he made.”
Bharti Singh, husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa granted bail in drug consumption case
8:04 AM
Rebecca Samervel (THE TIMES OF INDIA; November 24, 2020)
Mumbai: A magistrate’s court on Monday granted bail to TV comedian Bharti Singh and scriptwriter-actor husband, Haarsh Limbachiyaa, who were arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday. The couple was booked after NCB raided their production office and residence and allegedly found 86.5 gm of ganja. The court found no justifiable grounds to deny bail.
Neither the NCB nor the public prosecutor representing the investigating agency appeared before the court to make submissions on the bail pleas. The NCB did not even submit replies on the bail pleas.
The couple had moved court for bail on Sunday. They were produced in court and were remanded to judicial custody till December 4. Advocates Ayaz Khan, Dilip Mishra and Zehra Charania had submitted that the amount allegedly recovered qualified as a “small quantity” under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and punishment was up to a year’s imprisonment. They also said the case was triable by the magistrate court. Under the NDPS Act up to 1 kg ganja is defined as small quantity, and 20 kg and above qualifies as commercial quantity. A person found guilty of being involved with commercial quantities can be jailed for 20 years.
The defence submitted the couple was not accused of peddling drugs. They said the prosecution claimed that both purchased drugs for personal consumption.“NDPS Act was amended in 2001 and the object and reasons of the amendment was that bail should be granted for persons who are consumers and involved in small quantities,” the defence submitted. They said Bharti was an actor performing in TV reality shows, had acted in Indian feature films, had deep roots in society and there was no possibility of her absconding.
The couple has been booked under charges relating to possession and consumption of ganja. NCB said Singh and Limbachiyaa had admitted to consumption of ganja.
NCB has been probing prevalence of drugs in the film industry following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput on June 14. Over 25 accused have been booked and arrested for drug-related offences so far.
Bharti Singh-Haarsh Limbachiyaa case: No NCB custody as it's just a case of consumption, says court
8:06 AM
Mateen Hafeez & Swati Deshpande | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; November 23, 2020)
Mumbai: A magistrate’s court on Sunday sent television comedian Bharti Singh and her scriptwriter-actor husband, Haarsh Limbachiyaa, to judicial custody till December 14.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had arrested Singh and Limbachiyaa on Saturday after raiding their production office and residence, where they said they found 86.5 grams of ganja.
The hearing on the two’s bail applications will take place on Monday.
The couple, arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act in a case of alleged possession and consumption of ganja, were produced before a holiday court on Sunday. In a press release issued on Saturday, the NCB had said Singh and Limbachiyaa had accepted the consumption of ganja.
Special public prosecutor Atul Sarpande sought NCB custody since he said Limbachiyaa was found in possession of 86.5 grams of ganja, a prohibited substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). The amount was recovered from searches in their residential and office premises.
Limbachiyaa’s lawyer Ayaz Khan argued that no NCB custody was required as it was at best a case of alleged personal consumption. The magistrate did not grant police custody. Their bail plea was filed and will be heard on Monday.
Advocate Khan said bail ought to be given in the case. He argued that it was not even the case of the prosecution that they were peddling drugs. The court sent the husband and wife to judicial custody till December 14. The seized quantity was small and punishment was up to a year.
The law defines up to 1 kg of ganja as small quantity, and 20 kg and above as commercial quantity. For small quantities, the punishment could be up to a year or fine of Rs 10,000, or both. If a person is found with commercial quantities, he can be jailed for 20 years if convicted.
The central agency NCB has been arresting drug consumers and peddlers for the past two months. It has registered drug cases after the death of film actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June.
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Comedian and her screen writer husband remanded to judicial custody till Dec 4
Somendranath Sharma (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 23, 2020)
Comedian Bharti Singh has voluntarily disclosed that she used to smoke weed joints/ganja purchased by her husband, according to Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials.
Bharti and her husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa, a screen writer, who were arrested on Saturday by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials on charges of alleged consumption of drugs were produced before a court in the city on Sunday which remanded them to judicial custody till December 4.
The agency had raided their residence and office and seized 86.5 grams of ganja. During questioning, Limbachiyaa has admitted to having procured and consumed ganja and was in touch with a peddler to procure contraband, NCB officials said.
Arguing for judicial custody of the couple before the court, their advocate Ayaz Khan said, “It is a case of small quantity of contraband, punishment for which is up to one year in jail. The prosecution’s case is that it was a case of consumption and not peddling of drugs. We argued that why the NCB required custody in a consumption case wherein statements have already been recorded.”
A team of NCB officials under the supervision of Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede had conducted a search at the Versova production house of Limbachiyaa on Saturday. The officials had found 65 grams of a green colour leafy substance, which was tested and it turned out to be ganja.
The team then conducted a search at the residence of Limbachiyaa and Bharti in Andheri, and recovered 21.5 grams of ganja and unaccounted Rs 1.49 lakh in cash.
“A notice was served to Bharti Singh under the provisions of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and her statement was recorded. In her statement, Bharti voluntarily disclosed that she used to smoke weed joints/ganja purchased by her husband Limbachiyaa often. Bharti was then placed under arrest,” said an NCB official.
He added, in his statement, that Limbachiyaa told the officials that he used to procure and smoke weed joints/ganja. “He further disclosed that he had purchased the contraband from a peddler. He had kept some quantity of the contraband at his office, while the remaining at his residence which we had seized during searches. Limbachiyaa too was then placed under arrest late on Saturday evening,” the official said.
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Bharti Singh and her husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa sent to judicial custody till December 4
Faizan Khan (MID-DAY; November 23, 2020)
Comedian Bharti Singh and her husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa, who were arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) probing the drug syndicate in Bollywood, were sent to judicial custody till December 4 on Sunday. Though the NCB had sought their custody, the court refused it saying that it was only a case of consumption.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra cabinet minister Nawab Malik slammed the agency by saying that it was targeting Bollywood and arresting the addicts instead of sending them to rehab.
While Bharti was arrested earlier, post a long interrogation on Sunday morning, the NCB arrested Harsh as well. The agency had seized small quantities of Ganja from their premises. On Sunday, the duo was produced before the holiday court in South Bombay and sent to judicial custody. "We had sought two days custody to understand how they purchased the drugs and how payments were made to the peddler, but the court refused it," said advocate Atul Sarpande, who appeared for NCB.
Bail Hearing Today
Bharti and Harsh have applied for bail before the Esplanade Court. The matter will be heard today. While Bharti has been sent to the Byculla women's prison, her husband has been lodged at Taloja jail.
The NCB in its remand application has mentioned that Harsh used to procure drugs for the two of them and that they want to probe his links with other drug peddlers as well. The application further mentions that both confessed to consuming Ganja.
While hearing the matter, the court observed, "The drug seized from their residence is of a small quantity. Also, it's a case of consumption only, hence police custody under such circumstances is not required." The court also noted that the sections under which both have been booked attract only a year's punishment, so the remand was not required.
'Where Are The Big Fishes?'
Meanwhile, Malik launched an attack against NCB and said, "The agency is known for big catches, but where is the big catch? Is it their job to arrest addicts with such small quantities of drugs? If someone is addicted to drugs, it means he/she is unwell and they need a rehab centre not a prison. The national agency is not arresting big fishes involved in trafficking and smuggling through international channels. Can the agency come clear on how drugs are being trafficked in India?"
Sections For Arrest Under NDPS Act
- Section 8 (c) — Produce, manufacture, possess, sell, purchase, transport, warehouse, use, consume, import inter-state, export inter-state, import into India, export from India or transship any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance
- Section 20 b (A) — For producing, manufacturing, possessing, selling, purchasing, transporting, importing inter-state, exporting inter-state or using cannabis that involves small quantity
- Section 27 – Punishment for consumption of any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance
Comedian Bharti Singh, husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa held with ganja
8:12 AM
Ahmed Ali (THE TIMES OF INDIA; November 22, 2020)
Mumbai: The Narcotics Control Bureau on Saturday arrested television comedian Bharti Singh and her husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa after raiding two places—their production office and residence—where 86.5 grams of ganja was found.
They were arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act and will be produced before the holiday court on Sunday. “Both Bharti Singh and her husband accepted the consumption of ganja,” an NCB press release said.
NCB officials have been gunning for drug peddlers and users over the past two months and have arrested over 25 people.
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Mumbai: The NCB on Saturday arrested comedian Bharti Singh and her husband, Haarsh Limbachiyaa, with 86.5 grams of ganja. Sources said the seizure amounted to small quantity and bail was likely to be granted.
Small and commercial quantities are notified for each drug. The law defines up to 1 kg of ganja as small quantity, and 20 kg and above as commercial quantity.
“The seized drugs fall under the definition of small quantity and attract a punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year with fine or both and are triable by the magistrate court,” advocate Ayaz Khan said.
NCB officials have been gunning for drug peddlers and users since the investigation into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput threw light on the prevalence of drugs in certain sections of the film industry. Over 25 people, including actor Preetika Chauhan, film producer Firoz Nadiadwala’s wife Shabina Saeed, Australian architect Paul Bartel and South African national Agisilous Demetriades have been arrested.
Zonal NCB director Sameer Wankhede and his team also raided a place in Khar Danda and caught a 21-year-old suspected drug trafficker and seized drugs, including 15 blots of LSD, 40 grams of ganja and nitrazepam.
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They confessed to consuming drugs after the agency found 86.5 g of cannabis during raids at her home and office
Vinay Dalvi (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 22, 2020)
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday arrested comedian Bharti Singh after confiscating 86.5 grams of ganja (cannabis) during a search of her house and office in Andheri. The agency conducted a search of Singh’s house and office based on intelligence inputs received as part of its investigation into the alleged Bollywood-drug nexus.
The agency had summoned Singh and her producer husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa at 6.30 pm earlier on Wednesday for questioning, during which they admitted to consuming drugs.
The searches were conducted based on inputs from a 21-year-old drug peddler found in possession of LSD, 40 grams of cannabis and Nitrasepam (psychotropic material) from him, an official said.
A team led by Sameer Wankhede, the central agency's zonal director, conducted the search. “Bharti Singh was placed under arrest under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and an examination of Mr Limbachiya is underway," the NCB statement said.
The quantity allegedly seized from Singh's possession is considered as "small quantity" under the act, as against "commercial quantity", an NCB official said. Upto1,000 grams of ganja is considered a small quantity, which attracts jail term upto six months and/or fine of Rs 10,000.
Singh, who is from Punjab, rose to fame on the The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Comedy Circus shows. She has appeared in several comedy and reality TV shows since.
Limachiyaa is a screenwriter and television personality. He also owns production company H3 Productions and has written for shows including Comedy Circus Ke Tansen and dialogues for the film PM Narendra Modi.
The agency’s investigation into the alleged nexus began with an inquiry into actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide in June.
In October, the agency had arrested the brother of actor Arjun Rampal’s partner Gabriella Demetriades for his alleged links with drug peddlers arrested in the case related to Rajput’s death. Agisilaos Demetriades was sent to judicial custody soon after.
On November 13, actor Arjun Rampal was questioned by the NCB in Mumbai in a drug case after a raid at his home. Rampal has maintained that he has a prescription for the drugs found during the search. Rampal’s partner Gabriella Demetriades was questioned two days before him.
On September 8, the NCB had arrested actor Rhea Chakraborty in the drug case related to Rajput’s death. It had also questioned actors Deepika Padukone, Shraddha Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan about their alleged roles in the same matter.
The agency had described Chakraborty as an “active member of a drug syndicate”. She was granted bail on October 7.
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Her office and residence were raided after a 21-year-old drug peddler from Khar Danda revealed her name; husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa is still being questioned
Vishal Singh (MID-DAY; November 22, 2020)
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested comedienne Bharti Singh in a drug-related inquiry on Saturday. After finding drugs at her home during a raid, the NCB called Singh in for questioning on Saturday morning, and she was arrested late evening. An NCB official said that 86 grams of ganja was recovered from Singh's house. In the same case, the NCB officials are also questioning Singh's husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa.
According to NCB, they also raided areas in Khar Danda on Saturday, and nabbed a 21-year-old peddler, with various drugs including 15 blots of LSD (commercial quantity), ganja (40 gm) and Nitrazepam (psychotropic medicines).
In a follow up, they raided Singh's residence and office, and both Singh and her husband have accepted that they consumed ganja. After interrogation, Singh was arrested as per the provisions of NDPS Act 1986, Limbachiyaa is still being questioned.
An NCB official told mid-day, "A drug peddler was on our radar, and we had been watching him. As soon as we detained him, he gave us the names Bharti and her husband Haarsh, after which the house and office of Singh were raided." This raid has been taken at a time when NCB is expanding the scope of its investigation regarding the alleged use of drugs in the film and entertainment industry.
NCB Mumbai, Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede, confirmed the arrests to mid-day. Two weeks ago, NCB had raided actor Arjun Rampal's house and summoned him and his girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades for questioning. Rampal's live-in partner, Demetriades, was questioned for two consecutive days, while Rampal was questioned for six hours last week.
Rohit Shetty's daredevils to face pythons and drive through explosions in the finale of Khatron Ke Khiladi: Made In India
8:32 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 27, 2020)
The 10th season of Khatron Ke Khiladi suffered a setback when the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown resulted in a three-month hiatus. The stunt-packed reality show resumed airing from June 27 and concluded on a high with TV actress Karishma Tanna emerging as the first female winner after five seasons. Since then, it has got an extension with Colors beaming a special edition, Khatron Ke Khiladi: Made In India, with a mix of contestants from previous seasons. It began with Farah Khan leading the eight returning khiladis in the first week with Rohit Shetty back as the host in the following week. It is the first edition of the series to be shot completely in India, and is now nearing its end with the finale on Saturday and Sunday.
The finalists for this one-month special edition are comedian Bharti Singh, along with husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa, and TV actors Nia Sharma, Jasmin Bhasin, Aly Goni, Karan Wahi, and Jay Bhanushali. Rithvik Dhanjani, who had to quit the show in the second week due to personal reasons, returned in the finale to test his co-contestants’ flexibility by giving them some unique yoga poses.
The finale episode will also see some stunts involving pythons as Haarsh faces his biggest phobia. It will also have one of the biggest stunts designed by Rohit himself in full Bollywood action style. The contestants will have to find a stolen necklace while racing against time, driving through shattered glass, car blasts and other such hurdles to reach their destination.
Search for India's Best Dancer resumes on July 13
8:19 AM
With 1/3rd crew, zero-contact teams, no live audience and insurance for everyone
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 30, 2020)
Last Friday, shooting for Indian fiction TV soaps restarted and now reality shows are all set to resume work. But since the format is largely dependent on a live audience, they are geared up for big changes.Sony TV’s India's Best Dancer, judged by Geeta Kapur, Malaika Arora and Terence Lewis, and hosted by Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa, is expected to be back in the living rooms by the third week of July. Shooting starts from July 13 and producer Ranjeet Thakur (right) informs that there will be no audience during the shoot. “We will miss their energy, but there will be a better equation between the judges and the contestants as the former will be the sole spectators,” he reasons.
Thakur has cut down his crew from 500 to 160-180. They will be divided into zones and will not cross paths. There will be separate teams for technical, the stage, the backstage and the contestant areas. “There will be zero physical touch amongst them,” he assures.
To further minimise manpower, the producer reveals that for the first four weeks, there will be no stunt-based performances or those involving big props. “We will introduce them once we develop a work culture with new SOPs. Till then, it’s going to be pure dancing,” he asserts.
Only six contestants will be allowed into the area at a time. After their performances, they will move to another area, and the next six will take their place. Families won’t be allowed on the sets and all interactions will only be through voice or video calls. Masks, gloves and face shields are mandatory, along with regular sanitisation of the set. “Everyone on the floor will be insured, including contestants, crew, judges and the hosts,” Thakur promises, as they gear up to start rehearsals by July 1. “A few choreographers, who have chosen to stay back to take care of their families, will be replaced. Everyone is concerned, so we will finish work as soon as possible. There will be no wastage of time and a lot of multitasking.”
I hope Sonu Sood paaji likes our musical tribute. This is the least we can do for him-Ballraaj
8:31 AM
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 12, 2020)
Born out of the need to make people realise and be grateful for the privilege of staying at home during the Coronavirus pandemic, the song, “Shukar Kar” has now turned into a tribute to Sonu Sood. The actor, who has been sending hundreds of migrant workers from cities to their hometowns and also features in the song’s music video, has no idea... yet.
“If I had told Sonu paaji that I was dedicating the song to him, he would have forbidden me from doing so. So, I sent him the first few lines and asked him to record it in HD at home,” says Ballraaj. The comedian-host was inspired to turn the song into a tribute after he reached out to the actor and philanthropist with monetary help but instead, was encouraged to reach out to the needy directly in these trying times.
TV actors like Kishwer Merchantt, Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary, and Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa, who were already part of the video, agreed that it would be an apt thing to do. Ballraaj further informs that once the song is edited with real-life montages of Sonu taking charge, he’ll show it to the actor.
Expected to release next week, the song was recorded by Suyyash Rai, Deepti Tuli and Oye Kunal from their homes. “I hope Sonu paaji likes it. He has single-handedly helped so many people. This is the least we can do,” he concludes.
It’s tougher to make people laugh today-Bharti Singh
8:29 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 3, 2020)
She has been making India laugh for a decade now, but Bharti Singh still finds comedy a very difficult task. On World Laughter Day, today, we ask the comedienne, 35, how important a role does laughter play in our lives, especially during the current crisis. Pat comes her reply, “There’s this situation in India, what do I say about laughter amid all this? There are those who worry about what to eat tomorrow or even in the next hour. There’s no laughter in their lives. But I get messages from people with cable connections… Agar hamari chhoti baat pe yeh log hans dete hain, toh humein bahut duayein milengi... We’ll try our best to make people laugh.”
Singh adds that though she has been doing comedy for 10 years, it didn’t start off as anything serious. “Earlier, I used to do it just for fun... But, today, it’s tougher to make people laugh. Our lives are so stressful,” she says.
Meanwhile, Singh and her husband, writer Haarsh Limbachiyaa, are trying to add some laughter to people’s lives during the Coronavirus lockdown with a show shot entirely at home. From the script to the camera work, everything is done by the duo. She shares, “People are loving Hum, Tum Aur Quarantine... We had just shifted into a new house and don’t have any house help. Shooting, editing, sab karna padta hai! During meal times, we contemplate whether to eat or shoot. The work starts in the morning, and goes on till the next day. It’s a small effort to help people forget their stress.”
For actors, work goes on even in the Coronavirus lockdown
8:10 AM
Shivangi Joshi shooting at her home
Be it shooting scenes from home, launching shows or spreading awareness, actors are at their busiest
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 18, 2020)
With no new shoots happening due to the lockdown, life seems to have paused for actors. However, some feel the show must go on even if it means having to do everything on their own.
Actors turn all-rounders
Comedienne Bharti Singh and husband, writer Haarsh Limbachiyaa, have come up with a new show, Hum Tum Aur Quarantine, giving a sneak peek into their lives. “We’re trying to entertain with humour. We’ll enlighten people on the importance of staying at home, washing hands, practising social distancing, etc. Also, for this series, Harsh and I are writing the script, improvising, directing, shooting and editing,” she says.
One for social awareness
The makers of Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai share that the actors have shot special bits from home. Producer Binaifer Kohli says, “Our actors have shot some bytes endorsing those who’re helping us. And it’s been aired with the re-runs. They gave messages like, ‘Bhabi ji ghar par hain, aap bhi ghar par rahiye’.”
Actor Hiten Tejwani shares a short film on the pandemic, starring him, has gone as an entry at the Lockdown Festival of India, along with a music video, which is a tribute to “doctors, nurses, police officers and others”.
New tadka to old episodes
Producer Rajan Shahi has got actors of his daily soaps — Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and and Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke — to shoot some special scenes at home, which are then added to their re-reruns. Shahi says, “We’ve linked these new bytes (to old episodes) and it has come out very nice.”
Talking about his ‘different’ experience of shooting at home, actor Shaheer Sheikh shares, “It felt a little odd to be in the character at home, decide the timing and everything. It was weird to look into the camera and talk. Though we do it on sets, this was different.”
Qubool Hai and Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon director Lalit Mohan calls this an “experimental phase”, and says if it works, “we can do it in the future too”.
Malaika Arora come on board for first season of India's Best Dancer
7:48 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 19, 2019)
After judging India’s Got Talent and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Malaika Arora has come on board for the first season of the upcoming dancing reality show, India's Best Dancer, that goes on air on Sony TV shortly. She will be on the panel with choreographers Terence Lewis, who is returning to the format after a self-imposed break, and Geeta Kapur. The duo has previously worked together on Dance India Dance.“Dance-based reality shows have done well for the channel and they are coming up with the new show following the success of the kids reality show, Super Dancer,” revealed a source close to the development.
Unlike Super Dancer, however, this one gives a platform to everyone above the age of 18. “Everyone from all parts of India above 18 can participate in the show after going through the usual round of auditions that will take place in January,” the source added.Bharti Singh, who is also working on The Kapil Sharma Show, will be hosting the dance-based series along with her husband, TV show writer Haarsh Limbachiyaa. “All reality shows need hosts who can bring the house down with laughter and cut short the intense moments, which is the reason why the production team zeroed down on Bharti and Haarsh,” the source signs off.
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