Zaid Darbar apologises to Gauahar Khan over Kushal Tandon's remark on 'Alliance'
Synopsis
A cigarette, an old flame's quip, and a husband's laugh — that was all it took to set off a social media storm around 'Alliance'. Zaid Darbar's public apology to Gauahar Khan for brushing off Kushal Tandon's loaded remark has put a spotlight on the show's most uncomfortable subplot: a love triangle from Bigg Boss 7 playing out, a decade later, on national television.
Key Takeaways
Zaid Darbar apologised to wife Gauahar Khan via a video posted by Banijay Asia on Instagram.
Kushal Tandon had reportedly remarked 'Tujhe saare meri cheezein pasand aati hai' after Zaid asked him for a cigarette on the show 'Alliance' .
Wildcard contestant Vanshaj Singh informed Zaid that the remark had caused Gauahar to face significant online backlash.
Gauahar responded supportively in the comments, urging Zaid not to be swayed by 'dirty play'.
Gauahar and Kushal had dated after meeting on Bigg Boss 7 in 2013 , before breaking up in 2014 .
Gauahar Khan and Zaid Darbar married in 2020 and have two sons, Zehaan (born 2023 ) and Farwaan (born 2025 ).
Actor and DJ Zaid Darbar has publicly apologised to his wife, actress Gauahar Khan, after laughing off a remark made by actor Kushal Tandon on the reality show 'Alliance'. The apology, shared via a video posted by production company Banijay Asia on Instagram, came after Zaid acknowledged he had taken Kushal's comment too lightly.
What Kushal Said and Why It Sparked Controversy
The controversy began earlier in July when Kushal Tandon made a remark directed at Gauahar Khan during a moment on the show. When Zaid asked Kushal for a cigarette, saying his own were not good enough, Kushal reportedly quipped: 'Tujhe saare meri cheezein pasand aati hai' (You like everything I have). The comment was widely perceived as a dig at Gauahar, who had previously dated Kushal after the two met as contestants on Bigg Boss 7 in 2013, before breaking up in 2014. Zaid laughed at the remark at the time, a reaction that later drew sharp criticism online.
Zaid's Apology: 'It's My Fault'
The apology video, captioned 'A heartfelt apology, straight from Zaid Darbar's heart' by Banijay Asia, showed Zaid speaking candidly. 'Sometimes, I just get carried away with my life. I didn't realize it. What Kushal said was wrong. And I took it lightly. It's my fault,' he said. He added: 'I'm sorry. Really sorry. And I hope you understand what I am. You know me. You know what kind of a person I am. I can't hurt anyone. I can hurt myself, but I can't hurt anyone around me. That's the truth.'
The apology was reportedly prompted after wildcard entrant Vanshaj Singh informed Zaid that Kushal's remark had triggered a wave of online backlash against Gauahar.
Gauahar Khan's Response
Gauahar responded warmly in the comments, urging Zaid not to be unsettled by what she called 'dirty play.' She wrote: 'Vanshaj is playing. Masti is ok, coz u know every silly thing doesn't mean one gets offended. U are right, don't get swayed by dirty play. Keep rocking Jaanu.' Notably, when the original remark surfaced, Gauahar had already stepped in to defend her husband publicly, posting: 'Killer performance with zero insecurities' and 'The more secure you are, the less offense you take. Not every thing needs a knee jerk reaction. Only the wise know to do better. Proud of you zaid darbar.'
About the Show and the Couple
Alliance is the first Indian adaptation of Talpa Studios' internationally acclaimed Dutch format, created by John de Mol, and is produced by Banijay Asia. The Hindi-language reality show features 16 contestants who enter as allies, with shifting loyalties, deception, and strategic gameplay determining who claims the ultimate prize. Gauahar Khan and Zaid Darbar married in 2020 and are parents to two sons — Zehaan, born in 2023, and Farwaan, born in 2025. The episode underscores how personal histories among contestants can complicate the already volatile dynamics of reality television.
Point of View
Given Gauahar Khan's history with the latter, was never going to be straightforward. Kushal's remark, and Zaid's initial laughter, exposed how easily personal history can be weaponised in a format designed around deception and shifting loyalties. Gauahar's composed public response — both during the incident and after the apology — arguably showed more strategic awareness than either man on the show. Whether this episode boosts 'Alliance's' viewership or damages its reputation for fair gameplay is a question producers at Banijay Asia will be watching closely.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Zaid Darbar apologise to Gauahar Khan?
Zaid Darbar apologised to his wife Gauahar Khan for laughing off a remark made by actor Kushal Tandon on the reality show 'Alliance'. Kushal had reportedly said 'Tujhe saare meri cheezein pasand aati hai' when Zaid asked him for a cigarette, a comment widely seen as a dig at Gauahar given her past relationship with Kushal.
What did Kushal Tandon say on 'Alliance' that caused controversy?
Kushal Tandon reportedly said 'Tujhe saare meri cheezein pasand aati hai' (You like everything I have) when Zaid Darbar asked him for a cigarette on the show. The remark was perceived as a reference to Gauahar Khan, who had previously dated Kushal, and triggered significant online backlash against her.
How did Gauahar Khan respond to Zaid's apology?
Gauahar Khan responded warmly in the comments of the apology video, telling Zaid not to be swayed by 'dirty play' and noting that not every silly joke deserves to be taken offensively. She signed off with 'Keep rocking Jaanu', indicating she had accepted his apology.
What is the history between Gauahar Khan and Kushal Tandon?
Gauahar Khan and Kushal Tandon dated after meeting as contestants on Bigg Boss 7 in 2013. The couple broke up in 2014. Gauahar later married Zaid Darbar in 2020.
What is the reality show 'Alliance' about?
'Alliance' is the first Indian adaptation of Talpa Studios' internationally acclaimed Dutch format, created by John de Mol, and is produced by Banijay Asia. The Hindi-language show features 16 contestants who enter as allies, with shifting loyalties and strategic gameplay determining the winner of the ultimate prize.
