Television actor Akanksha Chamola has once again sparked controversy after reiterating her belief that sexuality can change over time, despite facing criticism for making similar remarks on Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa. Her latest comments have drawn strong reactions from LGBTQ+ activists and social media users, many of whom accused her of spreading misinformation about sexual orientation and reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
The controversy dates back to an earlier episode of Lock Upp, where Akanksha, while speaking about her personal journey, said, “Sexuality keeps changing. It depends on the phase of your life.” She explained that she currently identified as asexual because she was going through a divorce and had no desire for intimacy with either men or women. Her remarks came after she had previously revealed that she had been bisexual before marrying actor Gaurav Khanna.
During a recent interaction on the show, Akanksha was asked if she wished to clarify her earlier statement in light of the criticism it received. Instead of retracting her remarks, she maintained that her comments reflected her personal experience and insisted that sexuality could evolve for some individuals depending on life circumstances. She clarified that she was speaking only about herself and not attempting to define the experiences of others.
Her explanation, however, did little to calm the backlash. Many members of the LGBTQ+ community argued that while an individual’s understanding of their own identity may evolve, suggesting that sexuality itself is merely a “phase” risks invalidating the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer people who have long fought against that misconception. Several users stressed that personal experiences should not be presented in a way that generalises the identities of an entire community.
The controversy also prompted reactions from fellow contestants. Actor Tejasswi Prakash, who appeared as a guest on the show, reportedly disagreed with Akanksha’s characterisation of sexuality as a phase and emphasised the importance of respecting how people identify themselves. Her remarks were welcomed by many viewers, who appreciated the distinction between a personal journey of self-discovery and broader statements about sexual orientation.
Akanksha has been one of the most discussed contestants this season of Lock Upp. Apart from speaking about her sexuality, she has publicly confirmed that she and husband Gaurav Khanna are headed for divorce after nearly a decade of marriage. She has also spoken about identifying as bisexual before marriage and recently described herself as asexual while navigating the emotional impact of her separation. Those deeply personal revelations have generated widespread discussion throughout the season.
The latest controversy has once again highlighted the sensitivity surrounding conversations on sexuality in mainstream entertainment. While many viewers defended Akanksha’s right to describe her own experiences, others argued that celebrities must be careful when discussing topics that affect marginalised communities, as their words can shape public understanding and reinforce existing misconceptions. As debate around her remarks continues online, the episode has reignited broader conversations about identity, representation and responsible public discourse.