24 July,2026 04:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti Sampat
Dheeraj Dhoopar and Vinny Arora Dhoopar (Pictures via Instagram)
Vinny Arora is Dheeraj Dhoopar's biggest cheerleader, and her recent emotional appearance inside the Lock Upp jail proved just that. The actor made a surprise cameo on the reality show, leaving Dheeraj overwhelmed with emotion. Unable to hold back his tears, he tightly held Vinny's hand as the two shared a heartfelt reunion that revealed a softer, more vulnerable side of him. Their meeting also featured a light-hearted confession from Vinny, who admitted she had earlier tried to secretly send Dheeraj a note with advice and a few personal essentials, only for the jailors to catch her before it reached him.
In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, Vinny opened up about the advice she would give Dheeraj as he continues his journey on the show, why she believes his biggest strength could become his weakness inside the game, and the special vacation she has planned for him once he returns home.
Reflecting on Dheeraj's personality, Vinny shared that both of them have always believed in seeing the good in people, a value they are also trying to pass on to their son. However, she feels reality shows demand a different mindset. "Actually, I had warned him about this even before the game started," she said. "As humans, especially him and me as a family, we've always tried to see the good in everyone. We always try to understand why someone behaves a certain way and give people the benefit of the doubt."
However, she believes that approach doesn't always work in the competitive environment of a reality show. "My only advice to him would be to stop seeing the good or the better side in everything and not give everyone the benefit of the doubt. That's how we live our real lives, but maybe that's not how reality shows work," she explained.
Despite viewers questioning Dheeraj's calm approach, Vinny insisted that he isn't pretending for the cameras. "Honestly, he is just being as real as he is. He wouldn't change himself for anybody not for a show, not for any situation. If he feels his opinion isn't needed, he won't interfere. That's just who he is."
Vinny also revealed that Dheeraj wasn't keeping well just days before entering Lock Upp. Although they briefly considered backing out, the actor decided to honour his commitment. "Everything had already been signed, but just a couple of days before leaving, he became very unwell. We were in two minds, but it was too late to pull out," she recalled.
Knowing the mentally and emotionally exhausting nature of the show, Vinny has already started planning something special for him after his exit. "I'll have to take him on a holiday," she smiled. "This isn't a normal environment. There are constant fights and arguments, and home is his comfort space. He's a no-fuss, no-drama person, and this is a lot of high-voltage drama for him. The moment he comes out, I know he'll need a proper break."
