06 July,2026 04:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kushal Tandon, Gauahar Khan, Zaid Darbar (Pics/Instagram)
Television actor Kushal Tandon has landed in controversy after a remark about his former girlfriend, actress Gauahar Khan, during a recent appearance on the reality show Alliance sparked widespread criticism online. A clip from the episode quickly went viral on social media, with many viewers calling the joke disrespectful and unnecessary.
In the viral video, Kushal made a comment referencing Gauahar while interacting with fellow contestants. Although the remark was presented in a light-hearted manner, several social media users felt it crossed the line, especially since it involved a past relationship. The clip soon began circulating across platforms, triggering heated discussions among fans.
The backlash was not limited to Kushal alone. Gauahar Khan's husband, choreographer and influencer Zaid Darbar, also found himself at the receiving end of criticism after he appeared to laugh during the exchange. Many netizens questioned why Zaid did not object to the joke, with some calling his reaction "disappointing" and "spineless." Others argued that laughing at a joke involving his wife sent the wrong message.
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions soon after the clip surfaced. Several users accused Kushal of dragging his former relationship into the spotlight for entertainment, while others defended the actor, saying the comment was intended as harmless humour and was being taken out of context. The incident has once again divided the internet, with opinions split over whether the joke was offensive or simply playful banter.
Kushal and Gauahar were once among television's most popular celebrity couples after meeting on the reality show Bigg Boss 7. Their relationship attracted significant public attention before the two eventually parted ways. Since then, both have moved on in their personal lives. Gauahar married Zaid Darbar in 2020, and the couple has often shared glimpses of their family life on social media. Kushal, meanwhile, has continued to focus on his acting career and reality television appearances.
Neither Kushal Tandon nor Gauahar Khan has officially addressed the latest controversy. Zaid Darbar has also remained silent despite the online criticism directed at him. As the clip continues to gain traction, fans remain divided over whether celebrities should avoid referencing past relationships for humour or whether the outrage surrounding the incident has been exaggerated.
The controversy has once again highlighted how moments from reality shows can quickly spark online debates, with even brief interactions becoming the subject of widespread public scrutiny.
