08 July,2026 06:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Akanksha Chamola and Shilpa Shinde (Pictures via special arrangement)
Lock Upp contestant Akanksha Choudhary has stirred controversy after questioning Shilpa Shinde's victory in Bigg Boss 11. During a conversation inside the reality show, Akanksha remarked that she failed to understand how Shilpa emerged as the winner despite, in her opinion, spending much of the season cooking for fellow contestants. Her comments have sparked fresh debate among fans of the popular reality series.
Speaking to fellow contestants, Akanksha recalled watching Shilpa's Bigg Boss 11 journey and questioned what she considered to be the reason behind the actress' win. Referring to Shilpa's role in the kitchen throughout the season, Akanksha said, "Pichle show mein rotiyan belte belte winner ban gayi thi. Mujhe aaj tak samajh nahi aaya kaise jeet gayi." Her statement quickly became a talking point among housemates and later spread across social media.
Shilpa Shinde entered Lock Upp as a wildcard contestant, bringing years of reality television experience with her. Best known for winning Bigg Boss 11, she has already begun making her presence felt inside the jail with her outspoken opinions and strategic gameplay. Her arrival has also intensified the competition, with several contestants openly discussing her past achievements and influence in the reality TV space.
Akanksha's remark has divided viewers online. While some social media users agreed that contestants should be judged primarily on gameplay, others defended Shilpa, arguing that her victory in Bigg Boss 11 was the result of her overall personality, resilience and connection with audiences rather than her kitchen duties. Many fans also pointed out that Shilpa was among the season's strongest entertainers and remained one of the most popular contestants throughout the show.
The exchange has added another layer of drama to Lock Upp, where rivalries continue to intensify with each passing episode. As Shilpa settles into the competition and contestants begin targeting her strong reality-show credentials, viewers can expect more confrontations and heated debates in the episodes ahead. Whether Akanksha's criticism affects the dynamics inside the house remains to be seen, but the conversation has certainly become one of the season's most discussed moments.