Bhabhiji controversy: Ban for Shilpa Shinde?

If the Pratyusha Banerjee suicide case has been giving you sleepless night, time to recall another big controversy that hit headlines recently. Team of Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai, &TV’s most popular show, woke up to a major shock when the lead actress Shilpa Shinde decided to call it quits. Shilpa, who alleged that the producers (Binaifer Kohli) and the channel were harassing her with inhumanly work conditions, was adamant on breaking all ties with them. On the other hand, the makers were not ready to let her go. After numerous failed attempts with discussions and meetings, they finally sent her a legal notice. And when nothing of these bore any fruits, the team approached CINTAA (Cine and TV Artistes Association), FWICE (Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees) and IFTPC (Indian Film and Television Producers Council) to get them respite. The members strictly asked Shilpa to return to her show and stick to her ‘exclusive’ contract conditions. But it seemed, the actress had made up her mind and she did not budge from her space. Now, in the wake of new developments, media reported that the committees have gone ahead to issue a non-cooperative directive against Shilpa. This means that no producer or broadcaster will be allowed to work with her. This step is said to be formed to imbibe discipline among all. Amit Behl, Chairman, Dispute Committee, CINTAA shared, “We work for the welfare of artists and thus it is disappointing to see that our support is not being reciprocated. Shilpa has blocked our numbers and is not responding to our calls and messages. Our hands are tied and we have to take an action to sort out the issues finally.” When we buzzed Shilpa (complete interview coming) she quipped, “CINTAA is for the artists and it is ridiculous that they are supporting the producers and not understanding my point of view. How can they decide to ban me? I have decided to get back to them the legal way. I really wonder why no producer is ever banned; actors only suffer when it comes to any dispute.” When we informed the same to Dilip Pithva, General Secretary, FWICE, he stated, “Producers will be banned if they decide to work with her. That should answer Shilpa’s query.” “We are waiting for the letter from the producers association before we send out the notice. TV is a small industry and we want peace prevailing on every set. We are keen to dissolve the matter but Shilpa is not ready to meet and that is causing the hindrance,” he added. General Secretary, CINTAA, Sushant Singh also shared, “The three bodies have come together to form the disciplinary directive so that there is no blackmail and arm twisting happening on any shows.” And finally producer Binaifer Kohli stated, “I am thankful that the entire industry has come together and supporting us. Also hats off to &TV for being patient with us and supporting us even when we don’t have one of our leads currently. Rest, I think I have spoken and shared my ordeal to the world.” Tellychakkar.com will keep an eye on the developments and update you further on this.