Cinema VinesDuring the latest episodes of Kunal Kemmu’s reality show Alliance, a comment made by contestant Kushal Tandon about his former partner Gauahar Khan sparked a wave of criticism on social media. The remark, delivered in a casual conversation with fellow contestant Zaid Darbar, was interpreted by many viewers as a tongue‑in‑cheek reference to their past relationship.
In response to the backlash, the production company Banijay Asia posted an apology video on Instagram on Sunday. The clip featured Zaid Darbar, who addressed the issue directly. He said, “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 continued, “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.”
Vanshaj Singh, who entered the show as a wildcard contestant, explained that Kushal’s remarks were the reason Gauahar Khan faced massive online backlash. Gauahar herself responded to the apology in the comments, reassuring Zaid: “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.”
The incident stemmed from a conversation in the gym area with Mini Mathur. Kushal claimed he had won a “big win” over Zaid the previous night. When Mini asked how, Zaid explained he had asked Kushal for a cigarette because the ones he had were “bekar” (bad). Kushal replied, “Tujhe saali, saari meri cheezin pasand aati hai,” a line many viewers linked to Gauahar. Mini appeared shocked, and Arslan Goni, Kushal’s alliance partner, urged both contestants to refrain from such remarks. Kushal dismissed the comment as a joke.
Gauahar Khan and Kushal first met on Bigg Boss 7 in 2013 and dated until 2014. In 2020, Gauahar married Zaid Darbar, and the couple welcomed their first son Zehaan in 2023 and a second son in 2025. The controversy highlights the fine line contestants walk between humor and sensitivity on a televised platform.
