Mumbai: Actor Akanksha Chamola has broken her silence over the criticism she faced following her remarks during Lock Upp Season 2, clarifying that her comments about estranged husband Gaurav Khanna were made at a time when the couple was going through a separation and planning a divorce.
The controversy arose after Akanksha revealed on the reality show that she and Gaurav had separated. Her remark that she would prefer her parents or even her dog to visit her on the show rather than Gaurav drew sharp reactions on social media.
Addressing the backlash in a recent interview, Akanksha said Gaurav’s appearance on the show should not be interpreted as an act of support towards her. According to her, he had visited the show to clarify his own position.
Akanksha says visit was not meant to support her
Speaking about Gaurav’s appearance on Lock Upp Season 2, Akanksha said she did not view his visit as an attempt to support her in the competition.
She explained that the couple was in the process of getting divorced at the time and that she did not want her estranged husband to visit her in the name of offering support, as she was uncertain about his intentions.
Akanksha stated that Gaurav had come to clear his name and not to support her during her journey on the show. She also maintained that his appearance did not provide her with any reassurance regarding their relationship.
Her clarification came amid continued discussion over her earlier statements and the public reaction that followed.
Remarks about parents and dog spark backlash
Akanksha also addressed the criticism over her statement comparing a possible visit from her parents or dog with Gaurav’s visit.
She said the backlash reflected what she described as “selective moral policing” on social media.
The actor questioned why certain parts of her statement had been singled out for criticism while the broader context of her personal circumstances was ignored.
Akanksha urged social media users to be consistent in their judgement if they chose to criticise public figures over their comments.
She also said she was willing to apologise if she had genuinely made a mistake but challenged those criticising her to explain why her remarks were wrong in the context in which they were made.
Separation and divorce process in focus
Akanksha’s comments have once again drawn attention to her personal relationship with Gaurav.
The two actors married in 2016 in Kanpur and have reportedly been living separately for the past year.
Her revelation about their separation and plans for divorce had become one of the major talking points during her appearance on the reality show.
Akanksha’s latest clarification suggests that her reaction to Gaurav’s visit was shaped by the circumstances surrounding their relationship at the time.
She maintained that she did not want her estranged husband to enter the show as a supporter while their marriage was already going through a difficult phase.
Debate over personal boundaries and public scrutiny
The controversy has also triggered a wider discussion on personal boundaries, relationship issues and the intense scrutiny faced by celebrities on reality television and social media.
Reality shows often bring participants’ personal lives into public discussion, with individual remarks quickly becoming subjects of debate and criticism online.
Akanksha’s remarks and subsequent clarification have highlighted how statements made in emotionally sensitive circumstances can be interpreted differently once they are shared widely on social media.
Her reference to selective moral policing reflects her objection to what she believes was a selective interpretation of her comments.
While acknowledging that she could apologise if proven wrong, she has maintained that criticism should take into account the complete context of her situation rather than focusing on one particular remark.
Actor stands by her clarification
With her latest comments, Akanksha has sought to clarify her position on Gaurav’s appearance during Lock Upp Season 2 and explain why she reacted negatively to the possibility of receiving his support.
She has maintained that his visit was primarily connected to clearing his own name and not supporting her in the competition.
The actor has also defended her right to set personal boundaries while dealing with a difficult phase in her marriage.
As discussions around her remarks continue, the episode has underlined the challenges of navigating personal relationships under public scrutiny, particularly when private issues become part of reality television conversations.
Akanksha’s clarification has added her perspective to the controversy, with the actor stressing that the circumstances surrounding her separation were central to understanding the comments that triggered the backlash.