29 July,2026 01:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Harshad Chopda (Pictures via X)
Harshad Chopda made a deeply emotional revelation on Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa, opening up about a traumatic childhood experience for the first time. The television actor shared that he was sexually assaulted as a child and urged parents to never leave their children unattended, stressing the importance of creating a safe environment where children feel comfortable speaking up.
Recalling the incident, Harshad said, "I was sexually assaulted when I was a kid. I was left alone by my parents with someone they trusted. I was scared, I didn't know what had happened to me. I never spoke about it because I thought I had done something wrong."
The actor admitted that he carried the trauma in silence for years, believing he was somehow responsible for what had happened. He said that as a child he lacked the understanding to process the incident, and the fear prevented him from confiding in anyone. Harshad revealed that the emotional scars stayed with him for a long time before he finally found the courage to speak about them publicly.
Addressing parents directly, Harshad urged them to be more vigilant about their children's safety. "I request all parents, please don't leave your child alone with anyone. Even if it's someone you trust, just don't. Your child is your responsibility. Please make sure they know they can tell you anything without being judged," he said.
He further emphasised that children should be encouraged to speak openly if they ever feel uncomfortable. According to Harshad, creating an environment where children know they will be believed and supported can make a significant difference in preventing long-term emotional trauma. He then spoke to the inmates, where he mentioned, "I used to say I am scared of gays, this is why, after all this that happened."
Harshad's heartfelt confession left fellow contestants emotional, with many applauding his courage for speaking about such a painful chapter of his life on national television. His revelation quickly resonated with viewers online, who praised him for using the reality show platform to spread awareness about child sexual abuse and the importance of listening to children.
The actor's disclosure comes after several personal revelations during his stint on Lock Upp. Earlier, he had spoken about heartbreak after being cheated on by a former girlfriend with his best friend. By opening up about his childhood trauma, Harshad hoped to encourage survivors to break their silence and remind parents that awareness, communication and vigilance are essential in protecting children.
