Harshad Chopda opens up about past fear of gay men on Lock Upp 2
Synopsis
Harshad Chopda's confession on Lock Upp Season 2 cuts through the usual celebrity-speak: he didn't just admit to past discomfort — he said he ran away from a gay man, lied about a shoot to escape, and then years later tracked him down to apologise. It is a rare moment of unscripted accountability on Indian reality television.
Key Takeaways
Harshad Chopda admitted on Lock Upp Season 2 that he once fled from a gay man out of fear, fabricating a work excuse to leave.
He revealed he later sought out the same person and apologised, saying 'Sorry I did not know how to deal with the situation.' Fellow contestant Dheeraj Dhoopar said he is 'so comfortable around gays' and called them 'better human beings' and 'more sensitive.' Fashion influencer Sufi Motiwala shared that his parents still believe his sexuality is something wrong with him.
The episode centred on whether sexuality defines identity, forms part of it, or is shaped by societal perception.
Television actor Harshad Chopda made a candid admission on Lock Upp Season 2, revealing that fear and a lack of understanding once drove him to literally flee from a gay man — and that he later sought out that person to apologise. The conversation, which unfolded during a discussion on sexuality and identity, aired in the latest episode of the reality show.
The Incident Chopda Recalled
During a breakfast-hour segment where contestants were asked whether sexuality defines a person's identity or is shaped by societal perception, Chopda opened up after fellow contestant Dheeraj Dhoopar shared his own views on the LGBTQ+ community.
Chopda recalled an early-career encounter where he panicked upon meeting a gay man. 'Pehle na main bhaag jaata tha seedha. Samajh nahi aata tha,' he said — roughly translating to: 'Initially, I would just run away. I just couldn't understand.' He added that he fabricated a work excuse to leave, even though the other person knew his shoot had been cancelled.
He also recounted a ramp walk he did early in his career, saying he chose not to collect his payment because doing so would have required visiting the organiser's home — a situation he said made him uncomfortable at the time.
The Apology Years Later
Chopda said he eventually confronted his own behaviour when he crossed paths with the same person again. 'When I met him now, I went to him and told him — Sorry I did not know how to deal with the situation,' the actor shared. He described himself as non-confrontational and admitted it took him longer than most to process unfamiliar social situations. 'Maybe it takes me longer but mujhe darr lagta tha,' he said.
Dheeraj Dhoopar's Contrasting View
Actor Dheeraj Dhoopar offered a markedly different perspective during the same conversation. 'I am so comfortable around gays. Lagta hi nahi hai,' he said, adding: 'Personally, mera yeh opinion hai ki they are better human beings. They are more sensitive towards everything. They are wonderful.'
Broader Discussion on the Show
The episode also featured fashion influencer Sufi Motiwala, who spoke about his personal journey, revealing that his parents still believe there is something wrong with him because of his sexuality. The segment formed part of a wider conversation on Lock Upp Season 2 exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and societal acceptance. The show continues to draw attention for pushing its contestants into candid, often uncomfortable territory on social issues.
Point of View
Not conversation. The fact that he circled back to apologise years later matters, but the more interesting question Lock Upp Season 2 is implicitly raising is why such basic social encounters remain so fraught for public figures in India. Dhoopar's ease and Motiwala's pain sit at opposite ends of the same spectrum, and the show is, however imperfectly, holding that tension in public view.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Harshad Chopda reveal on Lock Upp Season 2?
Harshad Chopda revealed that he once panicked upon meeting a gay man early in his career and ran away by fabricating a work excuse. He later met the same person again and personally apologised for his behaviour.
Why did Harshad Chopda apologise to a gay man?
Chopda said he apologised because he realised his earlier reaction — running away out of fear and confusion — was unfair to the person. He described himself as non-confrontational and said it took him time to process the situation and make amends.
What did Dheeraj Dhoopar say about the LGBTQ+ community on Lock Upp?
Dheeraj Dhoopar said he is completely comfortable around gay people and described them as 'better human beings' who are 'more sensitive towards everything.' His remarks came during the same episode as Chopda's confession.
Who is Sufi Motiwala and what did he share on Lock Upp Season 2?
Sufi Motiwala is a fashion influencer and contestant on Lock Upp Season 2. He revealed during the sexuality discussion that his parents still believe there is something wrong with him because of his sexuality.
What was the theme of the Lock Upp Season 2 episode featuring these revelations?
The episode explored whether sexuality defines a person's identity, forms part of it, or is largely shaped by societal perception. Contestants discussed their personal experiences and views on the LGBTQ+ community during a breakfast-hour segment.
