Dilip Joshi Allegedly Grabbed Asit Modi s Collar During Heated Argument, Claims Actress Jennifer Mistry
Mumbai: The long-running television sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) has been one of India’s most beloved shows for over 17 years, winning audiences with its humour, relatable characters, and family-friendly storytelling. Produced by Asit Kumarr Modi, the series has given its actors nationwide recognition. But in recent years, the show’s off-screen controversies have often overshadowed its on-screen laughter.
Now, actress Jennifer Mistry, who played Mrs Roshan Sodhi, has made fresh and startling allegations in a new interview. Mistry, who quit the show after accusing producer Asit Modi of misconduct, claims that lead actor Dilip Joshi known for his portrayal of Jethalal once engaged in a heated confrontation with Asit Modi during an overseas trip, which allegedly turned physical.
The Hong Kong Confrontation
Jennifer alleges the incident occurred during a team trip to Hong Kong. She claims the dispute between Dilip Joshi and Asit Modi escalated in public, shocking those present.
“Dilip Joshi and Asit Modi had a major fight in Hong Kong. They were shouting loudly at each other in front of everyone. Dilip Joshi even grabbed Asit Modi’s collar. The argument became extremely heated, and many of us were stunned. People started asking why, as a producer, he keeps ending up in such conflicts,” Mistry said.
According to her, this was no minor disagreement but a full-blown confrontation that created visible discomfort among the cast and crew.
Past Rumours of Rift
This is not the first time talk of friction between the show’s lead actor and producer has surfaced. Over the years, whispers of tension have occasionally made headlines, though both parties have publicly denied any personal feud.
When similar reports emerged earlier, Asit Modi dismissed them outright. “These are false stories. Some people are simply jealous of the show’s success and want to stir unnecessary controversy,” he had said.
Likewise, Dilip Joshi a central figure in TMKOC since its launch in 2008 called such claims baseless. “The rumours about disputes between me and Asit bhai are untrue. TMKOC means a lot to me, and it’s upsetting when false gossip is spread,” he said in an earlier statement.
Jennifer Mistry’s Exit and Accusations
Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal was part of the TMKOC family for several years and became well-loved for her portrayal of Mrs Roshan Sodhi, a cheerful Parsi homemaker. However, her departure from the show was far from amicable.
After leaving, she accused Asit Modi of harassment and unprofessional conduct allegations that Modi strongly denied. Jennifer has since been outspoken about what she describes as a “toxic” workplace culture on set, using interviews to share her perspective on behind-the-scenes issues.
The Show’s Enduring Popularity
Despite the controversies, TMKOC remains one of India’s highest-rated television shows. Its simple humour, moral values, and portrayal of tight-knit community life have helped it maintain a loyal audience for nearly two decades.
Dilip Joshi’s portrayal of Jethalal Gada remains the heart of the series, while Asit Modi’s creative direction has kept the show’s premise alive and engaging. TMKOC has crossed more than 3,800 episodes, received multiple awards, and cemented many of its characters as pop culture icons.
Industry and Public Reaction
Jennifer’s latest claims have sparked mixed reactions. Some in the entertainment industry see them as proof of deeper problems behind the scenes, while others dismiss them as exaggerated accounts of ordinary workplace disputes in the entertainment business.
As of now, neither Dilip Joshi nor Asit Modi has commented publicly on Jennifer’s recent allegations. Whether they choose to address the matter or maintain silence remains to be seen.
A Mix of Laughter and Controversy
The alleged collar-grabbing incident in Hong Kong if true would be one of the most explosive revelations yet from TMKOC’s off-screen world. For a show built on comedy and community harmony, the claims paint a starkly different picture of its internal dynamics.
Still, TMKOC’s ability to entertain millions remains intact. While the on-screen chemistry continues to deliver laughs, the off-screen drama ensures the show stays in headlines a combination that, for better or worse, keeps it firmly in the public eye.
