Dheeraj Dhoopar on Lock Upp exit: 'Won't see Palak Chicken for 2 years'
Synopsis
Dheeraj Dhoopar's first post-elimination confession from Lock Upp wasn't about strategy or rivalry — it was about Palak Chicken. The Kundali Bhagya star says the show's food monotony has put him off the dish for two years, while also crediting the experience with making him a 'better person' after his first prolonged separation from family.
Key Takeaways
Dheeraj Dhoopar was recently eliminated from the streaming reality show Lock Upp .
He says he does not want to see Palak Chicken for at least 2 years , having eaten it repeatedly inside the show.
Dhoopar described the experience as his first extended separation from family, calling it transformative.
He is best known for playing Karan Luthra in Kundali Bhagya , a role that made him a household name on Indian television.
He has been married to actress Vinny Arora since 2016 ; the couple have a son born in 2022 .
Television actor Dheeraj Dhoopar has said he cannot bear the sight of Palak Chicken for at least the next two years — a candid confession that speaks to the gruelling food monotony he endured during his stint on the streaming reality show Lock Upp. Dhoopar, who was recently eliminated from the show, made the remark while speaking to the media shortly after his exit.
What Life Inside Lock Upp Was Like
Dhoopar did not hold back when describing the experience of being confined to the Lock Upp environment, away from the comforts of home. Palak Chicken was a dietary staple during his time on the show, and by the end of his run, he had had more than enough of it.
'I have learnt a lot. To be grateful for the smallest of the things in life. The small things that we don't get to eat inside. I used to eat Palak Chicken. Now I don't want to see Palak Chicken for 2 years,' he told reporters after his elimination.
Lessons Learnt and a Changed Perspective
Beyond the food fatigue, Dhoopar reflected on a deeper personal shift. He described the Lock Upp experience as the first extended period he had spent away from his family, something that gave him an entirely new appreciation for everyday life.
'I was away from my family for the first time in so many days. So I never knew how it would feel. But now I know how it feels. And I am back as a better person,' he added.
Who Is Dheeraj Dhoopar
Dheeraj Dhoopar is one of Indian television's most recognised leading men, best known for his portrayal of Karan Luthra in the long-running drama Kundali Bhagya — a role that earned him multiple awards and a nationwide fanbase. He later played Rajkumar Yashvardhan Singh in Sherdil Shergill, demonstrating his range in romantic drama.
Beyond fiction, Dhoopar has appeared in reality television, music videos, and brand endorsements. He has been married to actress Vinny Arora since 2016; the couple welcomed their son in 2022.
What Comes Next
With his Lock Upp chapter now closed, Dhoopar is expected to return to his acting commitments. His post-elimination candour has already generated buzz among his fanbase, and the actor's self-described transformation could translate into renewed audience interest in his upcoming projects.
Point of View
Built on confinement and deprivation, has consistently produced these unguarded post-exit confessions, and they tend to resonate more with audiences than any in-house drama. For Dhoopar, the bigger takeaway may be the family-separation angle: a mainstream TV star publicly acknowledging vulnerability is a brand moment, not just a soundbite.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dheeraj Dhoopar say he won't eat Palak Chicken for 2 years?
Dheeraj Dhoopar said he ate Palak Chicken so frequently during his time on Lock Upp that he no longer wants to see the dish for at least two years. He made the remark to reporters after his elimination from the show.
What did Dheeraj Dhoopar say he learnt from Lock Upp?
Dhoopar said the show taught him to be grateful for small things in life and gave him a new appreciation for family, as it marked his first prolonged separation from his loved ones. He described himself as returning as a 'better person.'
Who is Dheeraj Dhoopar?
Dheeraj Dhoopar is a popular Indian television actor best known for playing Karan Luthra in Kundali Bhagya. He has also appeared in Sherdil Shergill and various reality shows, music videos, and brand campaigns. He is married to actress Vinny Arora and has a son born in 2022.
What is Dheeraj Dhoopar expected to do after Lock Upp?
Following his elimination, Dhoopar is expected to return to his acting projects. No specific upcoming show has been confirmed, but his post-exit interview has generated renewed attention from his fanbase.
