Showing posts with label Sanjay Kohli. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sanjay Kohli. Show all posts
Upasana Singh backs Shilpa Shinde: "If the producers moved on, who are we to judge?"
10:07 AM
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 9, 2026)
Actor-comedian and CINTAA General Secretary Upasana Singh has come out in support of actor Shilpa Shinde amid the backlash over the actor’s admission that the sexual harassment allegations she levelled against Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! producer Sanjay Kohli nearly nine years ago were false.
“Shilpa herself has admitted that she made a mistake. She is not saying she did the right thing. I don’t support filing a false sexual harassment case at all. But we should not look at only one side of the story. We should also try to understand the circumstances and state of mind in which a person takes a decision,” she says.
Having worked with Shilpa on three television shows, the 50-year-old describes her as a compassionate person who was always willing to help colleagues in need. “Shilpa is a kind-hearted person. I am not saying she did the right thing. I am only saying that a person’s circumstances often influence the decisions they make,” she adds.
Addressing the calls for action against Shilpa, Upasana points out that Kohli (producer) and the makers eventually chose to work with the actor again. “The producers have every right to decide how they want to respond. They worked with her again. If they had so much anger and resentment towards her, they would never have worked with her again. If the producers can forgive her and move forward, who are we to decide otherwise?” she says.
At the same time, the actor-comedian acknowledges that Shilpa’s admission could have wider consequences: “People may now start questioning other cases as well, and that is unfortunate. There is no doubt that Shilpa made a mistake. No human being should do something like this.”
AICWA seeks action against Shilpa Shinde over false sexual harassment claims
9:55 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (June 7, 2026)
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take strict action after actress Shilpa Shinde admitted that the sexual harassment allegations she made against Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! producer Sanjay Kohli were false.
On Friday, the association posted a statement on Instagram, calling the matter a serious concern for the film and television industry. The statement read, “A false sexual harassment allegation can cause irreparable damage to a person’s reputation, family, children, career and mental well-being. Such accusations can permanently tarnish an individual’s image and have devastating consequences not only for the accused but also for their Shilpa Shinde family members and loved ones.”
Condemning false accusations, the association added, “AICWA believes that if a person knowingly makes false allegations, it not only harms the accused but also undermines the credibility of genuine victims who come forward seeking justice.”
The association further stated, “It is important to make it clear that not all women make false allegations. Thousands of women in the film and television industry have genuinely faced harassment and exploitation and deserve support, respect, and justice. The actions of one individual should never be used to discredit or question the experiences of genuine victims.”
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).”
Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai actor Deepesh Bhan passes away at 41
8:31 AM
The actor was playing cricket on Saturday morning when he collapsed
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; July 24, 2022)
The sudden death of Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai actor, Deepesh Bhan, has shocked the television industry. The 41-year-old actor breathed his last yesterday. He was playing cricket near his home when he collapsed and was rushed to a hospital. His co-actors from the show, who were supposed to shoot with him later in the day, say that they are unable to come to terms with his sudden demise.
His co-actor Charrul Malik said, “I had met him on Friday, and he was fine. We even made a few reels together. I have known him for the last eight years, and he was closest to me on the sets. We used to eat our food together. I just can’t believe this. Apart from being a talented actor, he was a great human being too. We have lost an amazing human and an actor.” Deepesh played the role of Malkhan on the show and was known for his comic timing.
Rohitashv Gour, who was among the cast members scheduled to shoot with Deepesh yesterday, said, “Our call time for the show was a little late yesterday. So, I think after his gym, he went to a ground to play cricket. It was a part of his fitness routine. But while playing the sport, he suddenly collapsed and fell. This is a big shock for all of us. He led a healthy lifestyle and was a fitness enthusiast. I don’t know how to express what I am feeling right now.”
The actor was also seen in shows like May I Come in Madam? and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
The producers of the show, Benaifer Kohli and Sanjay Kohli shared, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden demise of our beloved Deepesh Bhan. He was one of the most dedicated actors in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai and like our family. He will be deeply missed by all. Our heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
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Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 24, 2022)
Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai actor Deepesh Bhan passed away on Saturday morning while playing cricket at 43. His co-star, veteran actor Aasif Sheikh revealed to us that Bhan suffered a brain haemorrhage.
As per Sheikh, Bhan went to the gym at 7 am and stopped to play cricket in his building’s compound in Mumbai “He bowled an over, got down to get the ball, got up, swayed for while and fell down. He never got up,” Sheikh shares. He was announced dead on arrival at the hospital. “There was blood coming out of his eyes, it’s a clear sign of brain haemorrhage, the doctor said,” Sheikh adds.
Talking about her bond with Bhan, showrunner Benaifer Kohli says, “He was sensitive. I was like a mother (to him). He was my favourite and was with us for the last 17 years. I still cannot believe he’s gone.”
Bhan is survived by his wife and an eighteen-month-old son.
Nehha Pendse steps into Saumya Tandon’s shoes to play the new Anita bhabhi in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai
8:09 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 5, 2021)
The wait to see the new Anita bhabhi in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! is over. After months of deliberations, the makers of the TV show have zeroed in on actress Nehha Pendse to step into Saumya Tandon’s shoes. The latter quit the serial in August last year, after being a part of it for five years, citing monotony and a wish to grow as an artiste as reasons for leaving.
In a chat with BT while talking about her decision to quit the show, Saumya had told us, “You can say that it’s an impractical decision to quit a stable job, that too, in an established show. But I realised that being employed and earning a regular income was not exciting enough anymore. The desire to grow as an artiste was intense — I want to do projects where there is scope for growth.”
Interestingly, the makers — Benaifer Kohli and Sanjay Kohli — had approached Nehha to play the new Anita bhabhi soon after Saumya quit the show. However, things didn’t materialise then and they began approaching other actresses. Four months later, they reconnected and locked the deal. Nehha is expected to start shooting soon. Incidentally, she had earlier worked in the show May I Come In Madam? that was made by the same production house.
After TVF, new TV sex scandal erupts as Shilpa Shinde files case against Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain makers
7:53 AM
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.”
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