30 June,2026 11:27 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Akanksha Chamola and Gaurav Khanna (Pictures via Instagram)
Television actress Akanksha Chamola has opened up about the real reason behind her separation from husband Gaurav Khanna. After confirming on Lock Upp that the couple is heading for divorce, Akanksha revealed that their differing views on parenthood ultimately led to the difficult decision.
During a candid conversation with fellow contestants Shreya Kalra and Sufi Motiwala, Akanksha admitted that she never experienced a maternal instinct, although she initially believed it might develop over time.
She said, "Jab hum shaadi mein the, mera maternal instinct kabhi nahi tha. But I was open to discovering it. It was never shut down. But gradually I realised I'm not meant for it."
According to the actress, Gaurav initially accepted her decision to remain child-free. However, things changed as the years passed.
Akanksha shared that Gaurav eventually realised he wanted to become a father, something she knew she could not give him. "He was okay with it, but I guess in time that shifted. Now he wants to have kids and I can't give him that. Nahi hai mere mein instinct. Woh maine bahut pehle bol diya tha," she said.
She added that once she understood motherhood was not for her, she made her position clear to Gaurav. "Jab mujhe realise ho gaya ki main bani hi nahi hoon is cheez ke liye, maine tabhi bol diya tha ki main nahi karne waali hoon."
Akanksha revealed that she even gave Gaurav the freedom to walk away if becoming a father was important to him. "I told him, 'If you want to leave me, then leave me. Fair enough.' Log shaadi isliye karte hain... 99 percent want to get married because you want to have kids and family aage badhana hai. He is not wrong on his part."
She further said that after watching Gaurav's emotional moments on Bigg Boss 19, she realised how deeply he wished to have children. "Mujhe laga isko bahut zyada hai aur main nahi kar paa rahi hoon. For me, I don't want to put him in that situation." Akanksha also clarified that she does not wish to adopt and wants to remain child-free.
While Akanksha has spoken openly about their separation, Gaurav Khanna has not yet reacted to her latest remarks. The actor is currently participating in Khatron Ke Khiladi 15.
