Shilpa Shinde finds first and only vocal supporter in Sameksha
Sameksha (right) has stepped forth as the first and only fellow actor to support actor Shilpa Shinde’s claims of being mentally tortured by Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai producers Binaifer Kohli and her husband Sanjay Kohli. Sameskha, who had worked with Binaifer on her show Zaara in 2007, says that she, too, faced problems on the sets and was financially deprived after leaving the show, her payments withheld for five months.
Problems have been simmering between Shilpa Shinde, who acted in Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai, and the Kohlis for a while now. Last year, Shilpa objected to the exclusivity clause in her contract with the Kohlis — the clause prevented her from taking on other shows — and accused the makers of mentally torturing her. She quit the show, following which the producers sued her for Rs 12.5 crore for losses incurred. Shilpa claims that the production house still owes her Rs 32 lakh.
She has recently filed an FIR against Sanjay Kohli, accusing him of sexual harassment. In turn, the Kohlis have filed a defamation case against Shilpa.
‘STUPID CLAUSES’
Like Shilpa, Sameksha also faced issues with her contract — the actor says that she was shown one version of the contract, but made to sign another one. “I told Binaifer so many times to give me the contract, since I had to give it to my chartered accountant,” says Sameksha. “Then, she said that the document had got spoilt as some water fell on it, so I should sign a new one. I tried to read this contract [before signing again], but Binaifer said that it was the same contract and that I should just sign it. After a few months, when I saw the document, there was an additional page of clauses that were in her favour.”
Sameksha adds, “She did the same thing to Shilpa as well. She doesn’t give anyone their contract. Had I seen my contract earlier, I’d have objected to these clauses, e.g. if we finished shooting early, our half-day payment could be cut. Aise clauses pe koi sign karta hai?”
‘NO UNITY’
Shilpa Shinde has complained to the Cine and TV Artistes Association, with no results. Sameksha says, “In CINTAA, the members to whom we take our case are also actors. So, when there’s a case against producers, [the association members] don’t want to spoil their relations with them. This is why no one is supporting Shilpa. There is unity among producers, but not actors.”