Exclusive - Taarak's Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal reveals how her close friends Sonalika Joshi, Ambika Rajankar, and Mandar Chandwarkar abruptly ended their ties with her after the sexual harassment case

Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, famous for portraying the former Roshan Sodhi in "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah," recently made headlines by alleging workplace sexual harassment against the show's producer, Asit Kumar Modi. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Jennifer discussed her solo battle against her former producer Asit Kumar Modi, operation head Sohil Ramani, and executive producer Jatin Bajaj, shedding light on the controversy and related issues. Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal candidly discussed her challenging journey dealing with depression, coping with thoughts of suicide, and facing a difficult period post the workplace harassment case. She also revealed how her close friends Sonalika Joshi, Ambika Rajankar, and Mandar Chandwarkar abruptly ended their ties with her after the incident. (Photo: Instagram)

The committee asked me about my demand and I clearly mentioned to them that I’ve gone through immense mental trauma in the last one year. Whether it was my hospital bills or in the last one year I’ve thought of committing suicide for more than 100 times, it was so bad, I’ve gone through a very difficult time. It was only because of my daughter that I survived today. I told myself, I can’t do this to myself, I've to live for her. (Photo: Instagram)

Spirituality, meditation, yoga helped me to get back to normal life. I used to cry a lot about why it is happening to me. I mentioned in my demands about my mental trauma, hospital bills, the expenses of my lawyer and the pain I’ve gone through in the last one year. But all this is fine, I wanted a strict action against Asit Modi, Jatin Bajaj and Sohil Ramani. They three were equally responsible. I demanded punishment and especially mentioned that the punishment should be a message for others. I also asked for my outstanding dues which I’ve not been paid. I always talked about what all happened with me but never asked for my dues or compensation but for the first time in January this year, I demanded my outstanding dues as it is my hard earned money which they have held for 1 and a half year. (Photo: Instagram)

I believe all this was planned by God. Last year Holi it all started and this year I got my first victory. This is a relief and it is the first sexual harassment case which I’ve won. It is a big deal for me. Now on the basis of this I will be moving to the High Court. (Photo: Instagram)

I feel it is really unfair that by giving just Rs 5 lakh compensation someone can get away so easily. I am ready to leave the amount of compensation but I want them to be punished. Strict action should be taken against all three. Jatin and Sohil have not been punished at all. Their judgements have not been included. All three were involved. (Photo: Instagram)

I find everything very fishy from the cops' side. Because from day 1. I was discouraged from filing a complaint against Asit Modi. The investigating officer would discourage me and say why do you want to fight? Kyun phas rahe ho ismein. I’m telling you all the witnesses take their statements back. So all these things were told to me. I was asked to transcribe all the call recordings where I was abused and spoken rudely. I went through a mental torture hearing all the call recordings again and again. That’s the reason I decided to go to the collector’s office. (Photo: Instagram)

They tried their best to make me feel dejected. Yaa main itni thak jaaun ke that I give up on this case. Of course, I was mentally tired and exhausted. But I believe in God that he is the one who decides everything. I had submitted all the call recordings and proofs. But there was no movement in the case, only promises. (Photo: Instagram)

I’ve got no revert from the production house on the verdict. But all the other friends who stood by me during the difficult time like Malav Rajda, Priya and Monika Bhadoriya, they all called me and congratulated me. They supported me and their contribution was immense as when the production house tried to wrongly prove that I was unprofessional, these friends stood by me. Shailesh Lodha ji also called and congratulated me. They cared for me and I felt nice. But nobody else. (Photo: Instagram)

I always felt I won’t be able to survive without my friends. I can’t stay away from my colleagues, especially my three/four friends. I couldn’t imagine my life without talking to them. Main soch nahi sakti thi unse Ek bhi din bina baat kiye rehna. This was unimaginable for me that I can ever be not on talking terms with me. Especially Sonarika, Ambika and Mandar, my makeup dada. But all these people cut off ties with me. When the news about my case came out, everyone stopped taking my calls. Nobody wished me on my birthday. It was shocking for me. They could just say happy birthday. I wouldn't have dragged them in the case. I was never very friendly with the ladies of my society because most of my time went on the sets. But they were always respectful towards me and greeted me warmly.but suddenly they started taunting me, making faces. Now, things have got better and recently while celebrating Women’s day they were good to me. (Photo: Instagram)

I have worked with Mandar, Sonalika and Ambika for 15 years. When I was on a break for pregnancy even during that time they were in touch with me. But when the case happened they slowly started to cut off all the ties. They were a second family to me. I had a bond with their kids as well. Of course I wish them all the best. I understand they are earning their livelihood so they don’t want to go against the production house. I don’t know why they did not keep any relations but I also feel jisko rakhna hota hai Woh kaise bhi maintain karta hai.. like there 1-2 people who are still connected with me and we don’t discuss the case at all. We talk about life. They sent gifts on my birthday. (Photo: Instagram)

I felt really bad about Mandar as he spoke against my statements. He stated that Taarak Mehta set is not a male chauvinist place. He was my closest friend, he could have avoided that statement and remained silent. But I think I’ve learnt my lesson and the purpose of my life is detachment. Jab tak main sabse detach nahi hongi, I can’t move ahead in life. (Photo: Instagram)

There was a time when apart from my husband there was nobody to speak to in my life. Koi nahi tha jisko main bata sakoon. I would just sit and stare at the fan for hours. I was in depression and went through a very difficult phase. But God was watching me and tested patience. Now, everything is fine. (Photo: Instagram)