Reality show contestant Akanksha Chamola expressed disappointment over her estranged husband Gaurav Khanna's recent surprise visit on "Lock Upp 2: Sach Ya Sazaa." Chamola candidly stated she would have preferred her parents or even her pet dog to visit her instead of Khanna, referring to him as a "stranger" and an "ex" during a conversation with fellow inmates. The remarks have sparked significant online debate and criticism from viewers.
Contestant Expresses Disappointment
The incident unfolded during a recent episode of "Lock Upp 2" after Dheeraj Dhoopar's wife, Vinny Arora, made an emotional visit to the show. Following Arora's departure, Akanksha Chamola engaged in a conversation with co-contestants Shreya Kalra and Shilpa Shinde. Kalra mentioned missing her own boyfriend and wishing he could visit. Chamola responded by joking about her situation, stating, "Mere to ex tha" (He was my ex). She added that fellow contestant Varun Yadav, also known as Laila, had teased her, saying, "Tera family kaha aaya. Tera to stranger aaya" (That wasn't your family who came. A stranger came to meet you). This remark caused laughter among the contestants, including Chamola herself.[timesofindia+5]
Chamola further elaborated on her feelings, explaining that she craved emotional comfort and familiarity. "Usse (Gaurav) jyada mujhe family mein se koi aata to better tha," she said, meaning it would have been better if someone from her family had visited instead of Gaurav.When asked why she felt this way, Chamola clarified, "I wanted my comfort yaar. Basically more for me than for him," indicating that Khanna's visit felt more for his benefit than hers.She then made the striking statement, "I would have preferred agar meri mummy ya papa koi aate, ya mera kutta hi aa jata" (I would have preferred it if my mother or father had come, or even my dog).This comment again drew laughter from Kalra and Shinde.[timesofindia+18]
Estranged Couple's History on Lock Upp
Akanksha Chamola's personal life has been a central topic on "Lock Upp 2" since its premiere on June 27, 2026.On the opening episode, Chamola publicly announced her separation from Gaurav Khanna, revealing they had been living separately for approximately one year and were in the process of getting a divorce.She mentioned that the decision to part ways was mutual and that there was no bitterness between them, adding that they still communicate but no longer feel compatible as life partners.Chamola and Khanna married in a lavish ceremony in Kanpur in 2016 after reportedly meeting and falling in love during an audition.They decided to end their marriage after several years together.[pinkvilla+14]
During his surprise visit to "Lock Upp 2," Gaurav Khanna appeared emotional.He confronted Chamola about her divorce announcement, clarifying that they are still legally husband and wife and had not yet filed for divorce.Khanna delivered an emotional dialogue upon his entry, expressing his struggle with their separation.Chamola had previously shared other personal details on the show, including that a lack of children was one reason for their differences, though not the sole cause of their separation.She also revealed her bisexuality, a fact Khanna was reportedly aware of and had accepted, according to Chamola.Khanna later confirmed his acceptance of her bisexuality during a conversation with host Farah Khan, stating he always believed in loving someone wholeheartedly.[movietalkies+9]
Public Reaction and Show Context
The "Lock Upp" reality series, created by Ekta Kapoor, places celebrity contestants, referred to as "inmates," inside a jail-themed set.Contestants compete to earn basic necessities, perform tasks, and reveal personal truths to win over the audience and the host.The first season, "Lock Upp: Badass Jail, Atyaachari Khel!," hosted by Kangana Ranaut, premiered on ALTBalaji and MX Player in February 2022.The current season, "Lock Upp 2: Sach Ya Sazaa," is hosted by Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh and premiered on Netflix on June 27, 2026.This season features 15 celebrity contestants in a prison-like setting, competing for six weeks.[en+13]
Chamola's recent remarks about preferring her dog over her estranged husband have generated significant public discussion. Many viewers have criticized her statement as insensitive, especially noting Gaurav Khanna's visibly emotional state during his visit.Social media users have expressed disappointment, with some suggesting that her comments crossed a line and disrespected Khanna's feelings.The candid nature of the reality show often leads contestants to share intimate details of their lives, which then become subjects of public scrutiny and debate.This latest controversy continues to keep Akanksha Chamola and her relationship with Gaurav Khanna in the spotlight.[bollywoodshaadis+15]
