You are still my wife: Gaurav Khanna says won't tolerate criticism of Akanksha

Actor Gaurav Khanna confronted estranged wife Akanksha Chamola over publicly speaking about their relationship during the latest episode of Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa. Addressing the intense speculation surrounding their marriage, Gaurav questioned why their personal lives had become a topic of public discussion, while clarifying that although they are living separately, they are still legally married.

Referring to their separation, Gaurav told Akanksha, "It's the biggest news right now. We discussed this in May before I left for Khatron Ke Khiladi. Everyone thinks we have already been divorced for a year. They are saying you were giving auditions for that show (Bigg Boss), and I was doing this for sympathy. So I had to come. I hadn't told a single soul until today."

Akanksha responded by saying she had already clarified their situation on the show. "I clearly said that we had been living separately for 18 months. We only started the legal process right before I entered the show," she said.

Gaurav also addressed the narratives that had emerged around their separation, saying people had misunderstood the situation. "They think I'm taking you everywhere with me just to make you famous. I'm avoiding the media because everybody wants a piece of this pie. People think it's fake. They think I'm acting. I was surprised by the way people reacted. They got an open ground to make up whatever stories they wanted," he said.

Despite their separation, the Bigg Boss 19 winner made it clear that he would always stand by Akanksha when it came to public criticism. "I can't take anything against you because, legally, you're still my wife, and I'm still your husband. I don't like it when people speak ill of anyone I've been with or am with," he said.

The conversation later turned emotional, with both admitting that the separation had been difficult. Gaurav confessed that moving on had not been easy and that he often struggled without someone to talk to. Akanksha, fighting back tears, replied that she too had been dealing with the emotional burden largely on her own.

The conversation also had its lighter moments. When Akanksha asked Gaurav whether she had a chance of winning the reality show, Farah Khan interrupted before he could respond, saying Akanksha hardly needed any advice about the game. Gaurav then quipped, "You don't think I know that? Jo 10 saal se mere saath khel gayi, voh koi bhi show jeet sakti hai (The person who played me for 10 years can win any show)," leaving everyone laughing.

Akansha on her sexuality

During the premiere episode of the show, another personal part of Akanksha's life came into focus after fellow contestant Shreya Kalra disclosed that she is bisexual. Akanksha spoke about finding comfort in feminine energy and said she had been in a few same-sex relationships before marrying Gaurav. "Before marriage, I was bisexual. I had relationships with a few girls. They were not very intimate relationships, but I have been in relationships with a few women," she said.

Akanksha has also spoken on the show about wanting to lead a single life and said she and Gaurav parted ways because they wanted different things from life.

Gaurav Khanna and Akanksha Chamola got married in 2016.