Akanksha Chamola’s emotional journey on Lock Upp Season 2 continues to reveal deeply personal chapters from her life. After surprising viewers during the show’s premiere by announcing that she and actor Gaurav Khanna were ending their marriage, the actress has now spoken about what comes next. Instead of dwelling on the past, Akanksha said she is preparing for a completely new phase where she will finally live on her own for the first time. Her candid conversation has quickly become one of the most talked-about moments from the reality show.
The actress admitted that stepping into an independent life feels both unfamiliar and exciting. Having spent most of her life either with her parents or after marriage with her husband, she said the upcoming change will be unlike anything she has experienced before. While many contestants comforted her with hopes of finding love again, Akanksha made it clear that marriage is no longer something she is looking for.
“I am going to ride solo for life now”
During a conversation with fellow contestant Pamela in the ninth episode, Akanksha reflected on getting married at a young age and how her outlook has changed over the years. She said, “I got married so young, I was married when I was 24.” When Pamela responded, “You are still young, you will find anyone,” Akanksha replied, “I don’t want to get married again. I think I am done. But first time in my life, main akeli rehne waali hoon. Like, not under my parents’ roof or not under my husband’s roof. I am going to have my own house. I am going to ride solo for life now.”
Her comments struck a chord with many viewers, as they reflected a desire to embrace independence rather than immediately seek another relationship. The actress spoke with confidence about building a life on her own terms, suggesting that this chapter is more about discovering herself than replacing what has ended. Social media users have since reacted with mixed emotions, with many praising her honesty while others expressed sadness over the end of the couple’s marriage.
Earlier in the season, Akanksha had also opened up about her sexuality and shared that she is bisexual. Speaking about her feelings, she said, “Mujhe ladkiya pasand hain. Main admire karti hoon, main attract hoti hoon unke taraf. I think mera woh safe space hain. Growing up, mujhe lagta hain ki its a very male dominated world toh humesha aap mummy, beheno ke taraf jaate ho… kahi na kahi jo comfort zone unse milta hain. I love that feminine energy, I love that comfort and thrive in that. Aise society mein rehte hain jaha log bolte hain ki ladkiya dost nahi rah sakti jealousy hota hain ya competition hota hain. Mere mein woh sab nahi tha, mere liye all females are beautiful. Its a tag that society has given, for me its pure love.”
Why Akanksha and Gaurav decided to part ways
Akanksha had previously explained that one of the biggest differences in her marriage was their contrasting views on having children. She revealed that she had been upfront with Gaurav about not wanting to become a mother and believed it would be unfair to stop him from pursuing what he wanted in life. The actress said the decision was difficult but rooted in honesty rather than conflict, adding that neither of them was wrong for wanting different futures.
Talking about the issue, she shared, “He wants to have kids and I can’t give him that. Nahi hein mere mein instinct, woh maine bohot pehle bol diya tha. Jab mujhe realise ho gaya ki main bani hi nahi hu iss chees ke liye maine tabhi hi bol diya tha ki main nahi karne waali hoon. So we had a discussion where I told him if you want to leave me then leave me fair enough. Log shaadi isliye karte hain lets be honest… 99% want to get married because you want to have kids and family aagey badhana hain warna aap kyu shaadi karoge. He is not wrong on his part. And then Bigg Boss happened and I realised that isko bohot zyaada hain aur main nahi kar paa rahi hoon. For me I don’t want to put him in that situation.”
Akanksha Chamola is known for television shows including Santoshi Maa, Yeh Hai Aashiqui and Crime Patrol. She and Gaurav Khanna reportedly met during an audition before falling in love and eventually marrying on November 24, 2016, in Gaurav’s hometown of Kanpur. Their wedding was celebrated over three days with family and close friends, and the couple remained among television’s well-known pairs for nearly a decade. While their relationship is now coming to an end, Akanksha says she is looking ahead with optimism and is ready to begin a new life on her own.
