Shilpa Shinde gets emotional over the Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai controversy, claims she made a false sexual harassment allegation; recalls being told, "I'll make you sit at home"

Shilpa Shinde, popularly known for playing Angoori Bhabhi in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai, quit the show at the peak of its popularity. The actress had a major fallout with the makers and the channel, and the dispute continued for years. Now, during a podcast with Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa, Shilpa became emotional while speaking about the fallout and made a startling claim. She alleged that she had filed a false sexual harassment complaint against the show's producer, Sanjay Kohli. She also claimed that she was told that she would be made to sit at home without any work. (Photo: Instagram)

People have formed their own opinions about me over the years. Some called me crazy, while others thought I was foolish for the decisions I made. But I want to say that it takes courage to walk away from something when you're at the peak of your popularity and tell yourself, "I don't want to do this anymore. Not many people can make that choice. At that time, the idea was basically to scare me. I was being asked to sign a contract that would stop me from working anywhere else. It was a complete bond designed to ensure that the actor remained under control and couldn't negotiate for more money. But this wasn't my first show, so I wasn't willing to agree to those terms. (Photo: Instagram)

I told them, 'I don't need to work anywhere else. Where do I even have the time?' That was never the issue. The issue was being controlled and not being allowed to make my own decisions. Then suddenly, they wrapped up almost ten episodes' worth of my shoot in just two days. The same people who wouldn't even give me leave on non-shooting days suddenly told me, 'You don't have a shoot from tomorrow.' I asked why, but there was no proper answer. Soon after that, news started appearing everywhere that 'Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain's Angoori is no longer part of the show.' I felt it was all being done to intimidate me. (Photo: Instagram)

I felt really hurt by the way things unfolded. I was asked whether I wanted to continue with the show, and I made it clear that I was not willing to sign an exclusive contract. I was then told very directly, 'If you don't want to sign it, then leave the show.' I was completely speechless. I couldn't believe someone could say that to me so casually. I replied, 'If that's what you want, then I won't do the show.' That's when I was told, 'Then you won't be able to do anything. I will make sure you sit at home. 'Hearing that was shocking for me. It felt like I was being pressured into accepting terms that I wasn't comfortable with. (Photo: Instagram)

That's why I call the producers' association a 'white-collar mafia,' and I can still say that today. I was even told by the artists' association CINTAA that I could be banned. I remember asking, 'How can an artists' association ban an artist?' A producers' association can decide that they don't want to work with someone, or a channel can choose not to cast an actor, but how can an association meant to represent artists take such a stand against an artist? I felt there was a monopoly. The producers and associations worked in a way that gave them control over actors. (Photo: Instagram)

At one point, I started receiving legal notices demanding Rs 12 crore, then Rs 20 crore. I felt completely overwhelmed. There were moments when I believed even my legal support wasn't standing by me. The pressure kept increasing, and the claims against me kept getting bigger. I was having suicidal thoughts. Anyone could have broken down under that kind of pressure. The only thing that kept me going was my belief that if I hadn't done anything wrong, then eventually the truth would prevail. I held on to that principle and stayed strong throughout. (Photo: Instagram)

At that time, I filed a sexual harassment complaint against my producer because I felt I had no other option left. Looking back, I still feel it was a huge step. All doors were closed on me. I believed there was no other way to get out of the situation. When you go to file an FIR, the police ask you to provide specific details and allegations. Coming from a law background, I was aware of the process. Today, I want to say that the allegations I made were not true. I am admitting this for the first time. The matter was eventually settled, and after the settlement, I received my pending payment a few months later. (Shilpa breaks down) (Photo: Instagram)

As part of the settlement, there was an understanding that neither side would speak about the issue in the media. However, after more than a decade, I feel comfortable talking about it. Despite everything that happened, I eventually worked with them again. In fact, our relationship today is very cordial. Even after all these years, we share a good relationship. We worked together after 11 years in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai. (Photo: Instagram)