Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal on Monaz Mevawalla replacing her in TMKOC: It didn't affect me even a bit

The popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) has been making headlines, primarily due to the #BoycottTMKOC trend. In a recent turn of events, Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, who played the role of Roshan Sodhi, has been replaced by Monaz Mevawalla. The actress recently opened up about the same.

What did Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal say about her replacement?

Following the controversy surrounding Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal's exit from the show, actress Monaz Mevawalla is set to step into the role of Roshan Singh Sodhi. In an interview with Pinkvilla, Bansiwal, expressing goodwill, said that she hopes Monaz achieves the recognition she deserves with this character.

She said, "The news did not affect me even a bit. There's only love and gratitude in my heart for the character and the actor who's going to play Roshan. I also realized that Roshan's onscreen family in the show was also suffering as they didn't have many scenes. So, now things will get better for them as well and I am happy about it."

Jennifer added that leaving the show due to her pregnancy years ago was challenging, but this time, she knew her departure marked the end of her journey as Roshan Singh Sodhi in the show. "It did affect me when I had to leave the show due to my pregnancy years ago because I was very keen on continuing with the show. However, this time, things are very different. It is almost nine months since I left the show and this time around, I knew I'd never return to the show, the day I stepped out of the studio. For me, it was the end of Roshan Singh Sodhi that particular day," she said.

Why did Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal leave the show?

In May this year, Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal accused producer Asit Kumarr Modi and two others of sexual harassment, a charge they denied, claiming she was let go from the show due to misbehaviour. The showmaker also said that he would take legal action against the actor for trying to defame him and the show.

Bansiwal, who played the role of Roshan Sodhi on the longest-running show, said she sent a formal letter to the concerned authorities, including the National Commission for Women (NCW) and Mumbai Police on April 8, accusing Modi, project head Sohail Ramani and executive producer Jatin Bajaj of sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of a woman.

What's next for Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal?

Addressing her post-show plans, Jennifer mentioned that she wasn't actively seeking work until now as she was focusing on legal proceedings. She hinted at potential behind-the-scenes developments related to her ongoing case. Despite uncertainties, she expressed the need to mentally prepare before actively pursuing new opportunities. She said, "Honestly, I wasn't auditioning and looking out for work until now. I was busy with the case proceedings. There has been no development yet. I don't know if there's any politics that the makers have done so that the case is brushed under the carpet. However, now I think, I need to get back to work. It is a procedure."

(Inputs from PTI)