Shailesh Lodha Wins the Case ₹1 Crore Lawsuit Against Asit Modi
Shailesh Lodha, the actor who played Taarak Mehta in the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah for 14 years, has won a lawsuit filed against the show’s producer, Asit Modi, for not clearing his dues. Shailesh approached the National Company Law Tribunal earlier this year for the clearance of his year-long dues. The matter was settled as per the consent terms by the counsel for the parties. According to the settlement terms, Asit Modi is paying Shailesh a sum of ₹ 1,05,84,000 by demand draft.
The Reason Behind The Lawsuit
Shailesh Lodha quit Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah in April 2022 after being a part of the show since its inception in 2008. He played the role of a sensible and calm writer who often gave advice to his friends and neighbors in Gokuldham Society, a fictional housing colony in Mumbai. He also narrated the episodes with his witty comments and anecdotes. The show has been one of the longest-running and most-watched shows on Indian television.
However, Shailesh Lodha did not reveal the exact reason behind his exit from the show. He hinted that he had some issues with the producer Asit Modi, who allegedly wanted him to sign some papers to clear his dues. The papers had certain clauses like he could not talk to the media and other things. Shailesh Lodha refused to bow down to the arm-twisting and decided to take legal action against Asit Modi.
The Verdict Of The Lawsuit
Shailesh Lodha filed a lawsuit against Asit Modi under Section 9 of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code in January 2023. He claimed that Asit Modi owed him more than ₹ 1 crore for his work in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. He also alleged that Asit Modi had not paid him for over a year and had breached their contract.
The lawsuit was heard through a virtual hearing by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The matter was settled between the parties as per the consent terms by the counsel for the parties. As per the settlement terms, Asit Modi agreed to pay Shailesh Lodha a sum of ₹ 1,05,84,000 by way of demand draft. The verdict came out in May 2023 and Shailesh Lodha received his pending payments on 5 August 2023.
Shailesh Lodha’s Reaction To The Lawsuit
Shailesh Lodha expressed his happiness and satisfaction over the verdict of the lawsuit. He said that he felt like he had won a battle and that he was happy that the truth had prevailed. He said that his fight was never about money but about seeking justice and self-respect.
He also shared how his fight had helped another actor who was a part of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. He said that one of the actors, whom he did not name, was not paid for over three years by Asit Modi. After he filed the suit, the actor was called by the production house and was paid his dues. The actor thanked Shailesh Lodha for it.
Shailesh Lodha is also a well-known poet and writer who has published four books and participated in various poetry events and kavi sammelans across the country. He has also worked in other shows like Comedy Circus, Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala and Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai! He made his film debut with Wig Boss in 2019. He has won several awards and accolades for his work as a poet, actor and writer. He is married to Swati Lodha, who is a management author, and has a daughter named Swara. He lives in Mumbai with his family.
