New Delhi: Actress Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, producer Asit Kumarr Modi, and the creators of ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ have all been involved in recent allegations. Priya Ahuja and Malav Rajda recently lent their support to Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal when she spoke out against Asit Kumarr Modi and the makers. Malav Rajda directed the comedy-drama for 14 years before quitting. Many of the show’s leading actors have left in recent years, including Shailesh Lodha, Neha Mehta, and Raj Anadkat. Malav said that the show has become male-centric after Disha Vakani left the show.
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s ex-director Malav Rajda has responded to claims that the set is “male chauvinist.” he discussed the allegations and the possibility of divergent viewpoints in a recent interview.
Malav has disclosed that the TMKOC set had a sexist environment in the past, where male actors were called to begin shooting before any female actresses were called. He told Pinkvilla, “Kahi bar kya hota hai, actors often think from their point of view, humko sab sochna padhta hai. Aaj agar combination shoot karna hai jaha gents bhi ho, ladies bhi ho, humlog gents ka close pehle kar lenge kyunki agle Din subah gents ka call time jaldi hoga and ladies ka late see hoga. But they don’t understand this, unko lagta hai ki wo log ayese hi baithe hai and udhar gents log ka shooting ho gaya.”
He added, “Because after Daya, the show became more male-centric, be it Bhide or Jethalal or Popatlal. His story has become more and more useful. They are working more hours. So, as a director, I have to see that they remain fresh. Male chauvinistic bolke ayesa kuch nahi hai”.
Malav also discussed the importance of experience on the set. “Aaj agar Jethalal ka scene hai toh Dilip bhai ka pehle karna padhta hai kyunki wo senior actor hai. He shoots for 26 days in a month, so he needs to be fresh. But ladies log, shoot karte 10-12 days a month. Toh kabhi kisiko lagta hai ki yaar, humara pehle nahi huya,” Malav said.
One of the longest-running and most popular TV shows, ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ has been airing for more than 15 years.