Priya Ahuja and Malav Rajda have previously voiced their discontent with the producers of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. While Priya portrayed the character of Rita Reporter in the beloved sitcom, her husband served as the show's director for a decade. During their appearance on a recent episode of Luv Hua, Priya clarified that she never sought additional screen time from TMKOC creator Asit Modi, despite her husband directing the show. The actress emphasized her belief in maintaining a clear separation between her personal and professional spheres. She asserted that she never requested more screen presence simply because she was the 'director's wife'. ALSO READ: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal Bids Adieu To The Show; Says, ‘Pata Hee Nahi Chala Waqt Kaise Beet Gaya’
"In Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, I never urged Malav Rajda to approach writers or directors. That's not how I operate. Acting is my profession; it's my job. When Malav and I met, I was already a part of the show. He didn't bring me on board. Therefore, my storyline isn't his responsibility. I rely on a mix of luck and hard work. The rest is up to the producers; there's little we can do about it," Priya shared, expressing her disappointment. "Initially, things were good, but later, I felt they sidelined me because I was the director's wife. I've conveyed to Asit Modi that, as an artist, I aspire to have a more prominent presence, but I've never played the 'I am the director's wife, so take note' card," added the 39-year-old actress. ALSO READ: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Is Not Going Off Air! Asit Modi Issues Clarification Amidst Boycott Trend, Breaks SILENCE On Dayaben's Casting
During their discussion, Priya hinted at the reasons behind Malav's departure from TMKOC, stating that it was affecting his personal life. "Everybody goes through ups and downs, and we're no different. However, when Malav began bringing work-related frustration home, affecting 'us,' I intervened. I love us. Witnessing it affect our personal life, I insisted that he needed to step away, to stay at home and shield himself from external negativity. He realized how his work life was impacting him personally and decided to depart from that environment," she explained.
Malav Rajda was TMKOC director for 10 years and is now satisfied with the decision to quit the show.
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