Cinema VinesActor Ram Kapoor, who is currently starring in Netflix’s reality‑drama Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa, has once again found himself at the center of a social media storm. Fans and viewers have taken issue with the actor’s frequent kisses on the cheeks of fellow contestants, especially women, sparking accusations that he is overstepping personal boundaries.
In a recent interview with The Times of India, Naman Shaw—who shared screen space with Kapoor in the 2000s serial Kasamh Se—recalled a 2006 incident that had long lingered in the public imagination. According to Shaw, during a media interaction on the set of Ekta Kapoor’s show, Kapoor pulled him close, kissed him on the cheek, and declared, “Oh, I love Naman. He’s a great actor. He’s an actor with a great ass, and I get inspiration from him.” The comment was immediately sensationalized by tabloids, which ran headlines asking whether the two men were “out of the closet.”
Shaw said the media frenzy “was blown out of proportion,” and that the controversy forced him to confront questions about his sexuality that he had never expected. He added that his family was upset by the headlines and that the pressure of being a newcomer to the industry made the situation especially overwhelming. While a later article clarified that the kiss was a friendly gesture, Shaw continued to face intrusive questions about his orientation.
When asked about Kapoor’s behavior on Lock Upp, Shaw expressed a mix of tolerance and concern. “I know Ram is a very expressive person, but I think sometimes he needs to control his emotions and be a little more mindful,” he said. “You never know how the other person might take it. I was absolutely cool with it, but not everyone may be comfortable with that kind of affection or expression.” Shaw noted that some contestants, such as Shreya Kalra, have openly stated they felt uncomfortable when Kapoor kissed them and even pushed him away when he tried to hug them again.
Kapoor has also been criticized for kissing other participants, including Shivangi Joshi, Pamala Serena, and others. The repeated incidents have led to a broader debate about consent and personal space in reality television. Despite the backlash, Kapoor remains a popular figure on the show, while the controversy continues to fuel discussions among fans and media alike.
Naman Shaw’s career began after he finished in the top 15 of India’s Best Cinestars Ki Khoj in 2004. He has since appeared in a number of well‑known television series, such as Kkavyanjali, Kasamh Se, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasautii Zindagi Kay, and Saath Nibhaana Saathiya. More recently, he played a lead role in Mangal Lakshmi, which aired from February 2024 until 26 June 2026.
