The television actress details her transition to independent living, a changing stance on parenthood, and her past relationships with women during emotional reality show conversations.
MUMBAI — Following her highly publicized divorce announcement on the premiere episode of the reality streaming series Lock Upp, actress Akanksha Chamola has candidly mapped out her path forward. Speaking to her fellow housemates, Chamola made it clear that she has no intention of remarrying, choosing instead to focus entirely on building an independent life for herself.
The television actress, known for her roles in popular serials like Santoshi Maa and Yeh Hai Aashiqui, married television star Gaurav Khanna in November 2016. After nearly a decade of marriage, Chamola is embracing solo living for the very first time.
1. Navigating Identity and Independence
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In a series of raw conversations inside the Lock Upp house, Chamola shared her thoughts on marrying early and her decision to live entirely on her own terms moving forward.
Akanksha's Transition Pathway:
🏡 Age 24: Married Under Shared Roof ➔ 💔 2026: Lock Upp Separation ➔ 🔑 Future: Buying Personal House & Riding Solo
During a private chat with co-contestant Pamela, Chamola reflected on the trajectory of her adult life:
Akanksha Chamola: “I got married so young; I was 24 when I married… I don’t want to get married again. I think I am done. But for the first time in my life, main akeli rehne waali hoon (I am going to live alone). Like, not under my parents’ roof or my husband’s roof. I am going to have my own house. I am going to ride solo for life now.”
2. Diverging Paths on Family and Parenthood
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The actress also shed light on the core personal changes that ultimately led to the dissolution of her marriage. Speaking with co-participants Shreya Kalra and Sufi Motiwala, Chamola addressed long-standing public speculation regarding the couple’s choice not to have children, noting that her perspective on parenthood differed fundamentally from traditional expectations.
| Key Relationship Factor | Personal Perspective & Stance | Evolution Over Time |
| Maternal Instinct | Never naturally possessed an innate desire for parenthood. | Remained open to exploring it initially, but realized it wasn’t her calling. |
| Partner Alignment | Gaurav initially accepted and supported the decision. | Priorities shifted over a decade, leading to different goals for the future. |
| Public Disclosure | Gaurav addressed her decision publicly during a previous reality stint. | Accused of playing for sympathy, though he maintained he supported her. |
3. Addressing Public Buzz Around Her Orientation
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Beyond her marital status, Chamola’s personal life became a massive talking point on the show, prompting her to address growing online chatter regarding her sexual orientation. Rather than shying away from the speculation, the actress publicly embraced her identity and spoke openly about her history of dating women prior to her marriage.
“Mujhe ladkiya pasand hain (I love women),” Chamola stated clearly during an episode. “I admire them, I am attracted to them. I think that is my safe space.”
The revelation adds context to comments made by her ex-husband, Gaurav Khanna, during his run on Bigg Boss 19 last year. At the time, Khanna faced media scrutiny during the finale week for discussing their private choice regarding children on camera. Khanna defended his actions during press interactions, reiterating that while he personally hoped to build a family, he would always respect and stand firmly behind his wife’s individual autonomy.
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