Neha Mehta, known for playing Anjali Mehta in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, decided to end her 12-year-long association with the sitcom in 2020. Now, almost 2 years after bidding adieu to the show, the actress spoke to a leading daily about the non-clearance of her pending dues. In her statement, she shared that the last six months’ money is still pending. Soon after, Neela Film Productions Private Limited, the producers of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah reacted to Neha's allegations.
In a statement, the production house mentioned, "We consider our artist as our family. We have contacted Neha Mehta multiple times to complete the formalities with us. Unfortunately, she has been reluctant to sign the exit documents without which we cannot do a full and final settlement as per company policy. She also stopped responding to all our communication for the past 2 years and she left the show without meeting us. We wish she would have replied to our emails instead of making false accusations about the makers that have given her 12 years of fame and career. We reserve our rights for appropriate action."
In the interview, Neha stated, "I live a very dignified life and don’t believe in complaining about anything. I acted in Taarak Mehta as Anjali for 12 years before quitting in 2020. The last six months’ money is pending. After I quit the show, I called them a few times regarding my pending dues. I don’t like complaining… hopefully, there will be a solution soon and I will get my hard-earned money."
Neha, in a previous interview, had hinted at groupism on the sets of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. "Sometimes, and on some matters, silence is the best answer. I am not here to say that I was a victim of competition, jealousy, power games and a pinch of ego that makes people blind. If I do, I would be playing into their hands. I have received immense adulation from people, millions must be getting inspired by me. My responsibility says I can't say things to inspire wrongly. Plus, if you dig into the details, nobody will admit that he/she is wrong," Neha had said in the interview.
Sunayana Fozdar replaced Neha as Anjali in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah after the 1st COVID-19 lockdown.