Actor Harshad Chopda has landed at the centre of social media debate after his emotional confrontation with fellow contestant Varun Yadav, popularly known as Laila, in the latest episode of Lock Upp. While Harshad expressed hurt over a joke related to his past relationship, many viewers questioned the authenticity of his reaction, calling it “overacting.”
Earlier in the season, Harshad had revealed one of the most painful chapters of his life, sharing that he was betrayed by both his girlfriend and his best friend. During the recent “Judgement Day” episode, host Farah Khan asked him how he felt after opening up about the experience on national television.
Harshad admitted that while revealing the secret itself did not affect him immediately, a joke made by Varun later reopened old wounds. Recalling the incident, Harshad slammed his hand on the table and said he had trusted Varun like a brother. According to him, Varun’s remark, “Isliye chhod ke chali gayi,” deeply hurt him because it referred to a traumatic phase of his life.
Varun, however, clarified that the comment was made in a light-hearted moment after Harshad mentioned his cold hands. He said he immediately apologised once he realised Harshad had been offended. Despite the apology, Harshad criticised Varun’s insensitivity and questioned whether he understood the emotional pain he had gone through.
The episode quickly sparked reactions online, with several viewers accusing Harshad of exaggerating his emotions for the cameras. Many Reddit users compared his expressions and body language to former reality show contestants Gaurav Khanna and Shalin Bhanot, both of whom had previously faced criticism for allegedly appearing “performative” on television. Others felt Varun had apologised sincerely and that the issue had been blown out of proportion.
Despite the criticism, some viewers defended Harshad, arguing that personal trauma affects everyone differently and that jokes about painful experiences can trigger emotional reactions. The incident has become one of the most talked-about moments of the current season.
Lock Upp Season 2 is hosted by Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh and features a mix of television actors, influencers and reality personalities competing in a high-pressure environment where personal secrets, conflicts and emotional confrontations remain central to the game.