Akanksha Chamola on stress-free reality TV: From Lock Upp to Indian Game Show
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actress Akanksha Chamola says she thrives — rather than wilts — under the spotlight of back-to-back reality and game show appearances, revealing a mindset that sets her apart from most of her peers. Speaking ahead of her upcoming stint on Indian Game Show, premiering on 24 August 2026 on Sony Entertainment Television at 9 PM, Chamola said the relentless schedule only adds to her excitement.
The Stress That Others Feel
Chamola was candid about the pressure-cooker environment that reality television creates for most contestants. 'I don't normally get stressed. I am one of those people. Whenever I come somewhere, people get stressed. You must be aware. The whole world knows. Everyone takes more stress from me. I don't. So, this is even more exciting for me. I am coming to one show after another,' she said.
The actress noted that the anxiety she observes in those around her — co-contestants, crew, and even well-wishers — does not transfer to her. She describes the experience of moving from one high-profile production to the next as energising rather than draining.
Lock Upp vs Indian Game Show: A Tale of Two Formats
Indian Game Show is hosted by comedian-presenter duo Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa and features celebrities competing in high-energy physical challenges. Chamola drew a sharp contrast between this format and Lock Upp, the controversial reality show that first brought her widespread national attention.
'I am getting to do something different. Here, we are having fun. There, it was a fight to become a winner. Here, it is a fight to become a loser. This is the difference between the two game shows,' she explained, highlighting the deliberately inverted competitive logic of the new show.
The Lock Upp Chapter That Made Headlines
Chamola's appearance on Lock Upp generated significant media coverage after she disclosed two deeply personal revelations on the show: that she was headed for a divorce from her actor husband Gaurav Khanna, and that she identifies as bisexual, having been in relationships with women prior to her marriage. Both disclosures sparked wide conversation about representation and vulnerability in Indian reality television.
What to Expect on Indian Game Show
Indian Game Show is positioned as a lighter, entertainment-first format compared to the high-stakes drama of locked-room or elimination-based reality shows. The series will see celebrity participants take on physical challenges while generating comedic and memorable moments under the watch of hosts Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa. The premiere is set for 24 August 2026 on Sony Entertainment Television.
With Chamola's track record of candid self-expression and unflappable composure under pressure, her participation is expected to be one of the show's key draws when it goes to air.