Dheeraj Dhoopar calls Lock Upp's Akanksha Chamola a 'red flag'
Synopsis
Dheeraj Dhoopar's 'red flag' tag for Akanksha Chamola — who has openly discussed her sexuality on the show — has sparked a sharp on-screen confrontation in Lock Upp Season 2's Judgement Day episode. The exchange highlights the volatile interpersonal dynamics inside the Netflix reality house.
Key Takeaways
Dheeraj Dhoopar called co-contestant Akanksha Chamola a 'red flag' during an upcoming Judgement Day episode of Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa .
Dhoopar cited her behaviour and her close bond with Pamala Serena as the reason for his discomfort.
Akanksha, who has identified as 'bisexual' and later 'asexual' on the show, fired back saying it seemed he was 'physically uncomfortable.' The show is hosted by Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh on Netflix , featuring 14 inmates over 6 weeks .
The first season ( 2022 ) was won by Munawar Faruqui ; this season includes Ram Kapoor , Shivangi Joshi , Harshad Chopra , and others.
Television actor Dheeraj Dhoopar has labelled his Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa co-contestant Akanksha Chamola a 'red flag', saying her behaviour makes him feel uncomfortable. The remark surfaces in an upcoming Judgement Day episode of the reality show, set to air on Netflix.
What Was Said
During the episode, host Arjun Kapoor asked Dhoopar what tag he would assign to Akanksha. Without hesitation, Dhoopar replied: 'Red flag. The way she behaves, I get uncomfortable,' cryptically alluding to her close bond with fellow contestant Pamala Serena.
Akanksha, who has openly spoken about identifying as 'bisexual' during the show and later describing herself as 'asexual', pushed back sharply. 'It comes across as if I am making you physically uncomfortable,' she was heard saying in response.
About the Show
The second season of Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa features 14 inmates, 2 jailers, and runs for 6 weeks. Contestants must complete tasks to earn in-game currency needed for basic necessities including food, supplies, and privileges. The show is hosted by Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh.
The current season includes popular names such as Akanksha Chaudhary, Yogesh Rawat, Sunita Ahuja, Ram Kapoor, Shreya Kalra, Shivangi Joshi, Harshad Chopra, Sufi Motiwala, and Varun Yadav (also known as Laila). The first edition, hosted by Kangana Ranaut in 2022, was won by Munawar Faruqui, with Karan Kundrra serving as Jailor.
Dheeraj Dhoopar: Career at a Glance
Dhoopar made his television debut with Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg and went on to appear in Behenein, Mrs. Tendulkar, and Zindagi Kahe – Smile Please. He gained wide recognition through Sasural Simar Ka (2013–2017) opposite Dipika Kakar, and later became a household name with Kundali Bhagya opposite Shraddha Arya.
He subsequently appeared in Naagin 5 (2020) and portrayed the grey character Raghav in Saubhagyavati Bhava: Niyam Aur Shartein Laagu from September to December 2023, alongside Karanvir Bohra and Amandeep Sidhu. His most recent credit before Lock Upp was Rabb Se Hai Dua.
What to Watch
The Judgement Day episode is expected to sharpen existing tensions inside the Lock Upp house, with Akanksha's response likely setting the stage for further confrontations. Viewers will be watching whether the exchange draws in other contestants or prompts a response from the hosts.
Point of View
Public judgement tasks, named tags — is designed to surface exactly these tensions. What is worth watching is whether the production frames Akanksha's pushback as a moment of assertion or edits it down to interpersonal drama. Reality television in India has historically struggled to handle LGBTQ+ identity with nuance, and Lock Upp Season 2 now has an opportunity — or a risk — on its hands.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dheeraj Dhoopar call Akanksha Chamola a 'red flag' on Lock Upp?
Dheeraj Dhoopar said Akanksha Chamola's behaviour makes him feel uncomfortable, cryptically referencing her close bond with fellow contestant Pamala Serena. He used the 'red flag' tag when asked by host Arjun Kapoor during a Judgement Day episode.
How did Akanksha Chamola respond to Dheeraj Dhoopar's remark?
Akanksha Chamola pushed back, saying: 'It comes across as if I am making you physically uncomfortable.' She has previously spoken openly on the show about identifying as 'bisexual' and later as 'asexual'.
Who hosts Lock Upp Season 2 and where can it be watched?
Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa Season 2 is hosted by Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh and streams on Netflix. The season features 14 inmates competing over 6 weeks.
Who won the first season of Lock Upp?
Munawar Faruqui won the first season of Lock Upp, which was hosted by Kangana Ranaut in 2022. Karan Kundrra served as Jailor throughout that season.
What are Dheeraj Dhoopar's notable TV roles?
Dheeraj Dhoopar is best known for Kundali Bhagya opposite Shraddha Arya and Sasural Simar Ka (2013–2017) opposite Dipika Kakar. He has also appeared in Naagin 5, Saubhagyavati Bhava, and Rabb Se Hai Dua.
