Actor Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal has been feeling "exhausted" ever since her scandalous interview went public, where she disclosed that she had filed a sexual harassment case against the makers of the popular show TMKOC (Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah). "To endure the trauma repeatedly is very draining," she expressed.
However, Bansiwal expresses deep sadness over the lack of support from her female colleagues. "It's disheartening that they aren't speaking up. Everyone has their own security," she shared, acknowledging that she, too, may not have spoken up if another actor had faced a similar situation. "I was compelled to do so only when I decided to come forward," she added.
Following an alleged altercation on the show's set in March, Bansiwal quit the series. In the meantime, her pending dues remain unpaid. "When I left the show, I thought I wouldn't ask for my dues. It amounts to 3.5 months' salary, which is a substantial sum. Believe me, I don't even have a lakh rupees in my account. I have seven dependents in my family, and I'm taking care of all of them," she revealed. As a spiritual healer, Bansiwal firmly believes that in such trying times, a higher power will assist her. "Why should I worry about having only 80,000 rupees in my account? If God has given me life, He will also provide food. God has always taken care of me, so I'm not afraid," she stated.
Currently away from Mumbai, Bansiwal has received calls from the Mumbai police regarding her filed FIR. Initially, however, she hesitated to use the term "sexual harassment." "I received a notice from them, stating that they had suffered losses because of me and asking for a reply within seven days. I was taken aback. My lawyer, Amit Khare, advised me to document instances from the past 15 years. When I did, he informed me that 'Jennifer, this is sexual harassment.' I freaked out and said, 'It's a big word, I can't say that. I don't have the courage.' The lawyer helped me understand, and I also spoke to my close friends. Initially, I didn't send them any legal notice; I only shared my 15 years of grievances with Sohil (Ramani, project head, TMKOC) through WhatsApp. They fell silent. I thought they would remain quiet now that I had sent them this draft regarding sexual harassment. I thought my work was done. I sent the draft merely to intimidate them. It was only after they accused me of extortion that I posted the letters about the sexual harassment to the authorities on April 8," Bansiwal disclosed.
Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal's revelations have sparked a conversation about workplace harassment in the entertainment industry, shedding light on the importance of supporting those who come forward with their experiences.