Mumbai: Television actor Ujjwal Sharma has spoken publicly for the first time since the controversy that followed the death of his former Saajan Ghar co-star Sanchita Ugale, saying he was shocked to see his name linked to the tragedy and that the allegations had a devastating impact on his personal and professional life.
Ugale died on June 14 after she was found at her residence in Nalasopara. In the days that followed, some colleagues publicly alleged that Sharma had subjected her to mental harassment. Sharma has denied wrongdoing and says he has cooperated with the police investigation.
“I Never Imagined My Name Would Be Linked”
Recalling the events, Sharma said Ugale had previously spoken to him about a difficult period following the end of a relationship.
According to the actor, he encouraged her to focus on her health and career rather than discussing the details of her personal life.
He also claimed that while they were working together, the production team arranged psychiatric consultations for Ugale after concerns about her health, but her condition did not improve and another actor eventually replaced her on the show.
Sharma described her death as deeply shocking and said he never expected to become part of the public controversy that followed.
Messages, Financial Dispute and Online Screenshots
Sharma said the two remained in contact after she left the show, with Ugale occasionally updating him about her health and emotional struggles.
He alleged that after nearly two months without communication, she contacted him asking him to return ₹3,000, which she had spent during an outing with friends.
According to Sharma, they had frequently paid for each other during social gatherings, so he did not initially view the expense as a dispute.
He said he transferred the amount to her mother’s account but admitted that he responded angrily after receiving abusive messages, calling Ugale a derogatory term.
Sharma further claimed that screenshots circulating online represented only part of the conversation and did not reflect the complete exchange.
“I Cooperated With the Investigation”
Explaining why he chose to speak publicly now, Sharma said he first submitted his statement and digital conversations to the Mumbai Police before giving interviews.
He stated that he wanted investigators to review all available material before presenting his version of events in public.
According to Sharma, he has cooperated fully with the investigation.
“People Judged Me Before Knowing the Facts”
The actor also described the personal consequences of the controversy, saying his phone number was widely circulated online, leading to abusive messages and death threats.
He said the intense public reaction affected not only him but also his family, with relatives and neighbours contacting his parents after the allegations became public.
Sharma said the experience had taken a significant emotional, mental and professional toll, adding that his parents encouraged him to remain patient, cooperate with authorities and allow the legal process to continue.
Investigation Continues
The circumstances surrounding Sanchita Ugale’s death remain under investigation by the authorities.
As the inquiry continues, Sharma has maintained that he wants the facts to emerge through the official process and has urged people not to reach conclusions before the investigation is completed.
The case has also sparked wider discussions within the television industry about workplace relationships, mental health awareness, responsible public commentary and the importance of allowing investigations to proceed before assigning responsibility.
