28 June,2026 02:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Gaurav Khanna and Akanksha Chamola (Picture via X)
Television couple Gaurav Khanna and Akanksha Chamola have found themselves at the centre of online criticism after Akanksha confirmed on Lock Upp Season 2 that the two are heading for divorce. Her revelation came months after Gaurav's stint on Bigg Boss 19, where the couple's bond had won praise from viewers, making the news all the more surprising.
During the premiere episode, Akanksha disclosed that she and Gaurav had been living separately for the past year and had mutually decided to end their marriage. Sharing the emotional update, she said, "Okay, so me and Gaurav are getting a divorce. Yeah, we've been separated, living separately for the last one year. It wasn't public, but that's my secret." She also clarified that there was no bitterness between them and that they had tried to make the relationship work before taking the final decision.
Soon after the episode aired, social media was flooded with reactions. While many fans expressed sadness over the end of the couple's nearly decade-long marriage, others questioned Gaurav's closeness with fellow Bigg Boss 19 contestant during the reality show.
Some netizens went a step further, alleging that Gaurav and Akanksha had deliberately projected the image of a happy marriage while participating in separate reality shows. Comments describing their relationship as "fake" and accusing them of creating a public narrative for television quickly began circulating across social media platforms. Others also revisited Gaurav's affectionate references to Akanksha on Bigg Boss 19, questioning whether those moments reflected reality or were simply part of the game.
However, many fans came to the couple's defence, arguing that relationships are far more complicated than what viewers see on television. They pointed out that personal struggles often remain private and that judging a marriage based on edited reality-show footage was unfair. Several users urged people not to speculate about the reasons behind their separation or blame either individual without knowing the complete story.
Gaurav and Akanksha, who married in 2016 after falling in love, had long been regarded as one of television's most loved couples. Their divorce confirmation has undoubtedly come as a shock to fans, but both have maintained that the decision was mutual and made after careful consideration, requesting understanding as they move forward separately.
