Shivangi Joshi on Harshad Chopda bond: 'We've romanced on-screen'
Synopsis
Shivangi Joshi shut down the brother-sister narrative around her and Harshad Chopda with a single pointed line on Lock Upp — reminding viewers that the two have romanced on screen. It is a rare moment of candour from two actors who have long stayed guarded about their off-screen dynamic.
Key Takeaways
Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi addressed relationship rumours directly on reality show 'Lock Upp' .
Harshad acknowledged his presence on the show intensified public speculation about their bond.
Shivangi dismissed a fellow contestant's suggestion that Harshad views her as a sister, noting they 'romanced on screen' in 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' .
Both actors said their families know the truth of their relationship and they are unbothered by outside criticism.
The two played Abhimanyu Birla and Naira Goenka in 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' , where they were a central romantic pair.
Actors Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi have directly addressed ongoing speculation about the nature of their relationship, speaking openly during a candid exchange on the reality show 'Lock Upp'. Both actors made clear they are unbothered by rumours and are confident in the truth of their bond.
What Harshad Chopda Said
In the latest episode, Harshad acknowledged that his appearance on the show had amplified public chatter around the two. 'If I hadn't come to the show, it would have been good for me too. My reality would have stayed where it is. It would have been good for you too because these people who are accusing you... more than half, it's because of me,' he said.
He went on to assert that the opinions of outsiders held no weight for him. 'I don't care either. But I am saying that... I know what our truth is. Our family knows what our truth is. Let them go to hell,' Harshad added.
Shivangi Joshi Dismisses the Criticism
Refusing to be rattled by the accusations, Shivangi responded firmly: 'It's nothing like that. I don't care about these bad people's bad accusations.' She also described the comfort of having a trusted companion inside the 'Lock Upp' house, saying, 'At least I have a friend in this house who I can bank on, who I support and trust blindly.'
The Brother-Sister Assumption Addressed
The conversation took a pointed turn when Harshad referenced a comment made by fellow contestant Akanksha, who had reportedly suggested he viewed Shivangi as a sister. He pushed back directly: 'See now Akanksha said that I considers you as my sister. What I had said and what have they construed. I told her the truth. Now they will treat me and you as brother and sister. Should I consider every girl in the world as my sister?'
Shivangi responded with a smile, pointing out the obvious: 'You and I have romanced on screen. That's over now. That can't happen.' The remark was a clear reference to their shared history on 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai', where the two played romantic leads Abhimanyu Birla and Naira Goenka respectively.
Background: Their On-Screen History
Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi gained widespread recognition through their pairing on the long-running television drama 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai'. Their on-screen chemistry generated a dedicated fanbase, which has since fuelled persistent speculation about their off-screen equation — speculation both actors have now publicly dismissed.
With 'Lock Upp' continuing to keep the two in close quarters and under public scrutiny, the conversation is unlikely to die down anytime soon.
Point of View
Built on their Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai chemistry, has effectively followed them into a new format — and the show's format actively encourages that conflation. What is notable is that both actors chose candour over deflection, which is unusual in an industry where ambiguity around co-star relationships is often strategically maintained. Whether that candour settles the speculation or simply adds fuel to it remains to be seen.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi in the news?
The two actors made headlines after a candid conversation on the reality show 'Lock Upp' in which they directly addressed rumours about their relationship and dismissed a suggestion that they share a brother-sister dynamic.
What did Shivangi Joshi say about the brother-sister comparison?
Shivangi Joshi rejected the comparison by pointing out that she and Harshad Chopda had romanced on screen in 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai'. She said, 'You and I have romanced on screen. That's over now. That can't happen.'
What did Harshad Chopda say about the rumours on Lock Upp?
Harshad Chopda said he was indifferent to outside speculation, stating that he and his family knew the truth of their bond. He also acknowledged that his appearance on 'Lock Upp' had intensified the chatter around them.
Which show did Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi appear in together?
The two actors co-starred in the popular television drama 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai', where they played the romantic leads Abhimanyu Birla and Naira Goenka.
Who is Akanksha in the Lock Upp context?
Akanksha is a fellow contestant on 'Lock Upp' who reportedly suggested that Harshad Chopda viewed Shivangi Joshi as a sister — a claim Harshad publicly contested during the episode.
