Television actors Gaurav Khanna and Akanksha Chamola have decided to end their marriage after nine years. The shocking news came when Chamola revealed on the premiere episode of Lock Upp Season 2 that the couple has been living separately for a year and is heading for a divorce. Here is everything about their journey from meeting at an audition to their decision to part ways.
How the Love Story Began at an Audition
Gaurav Khanna and Akanksha Chamola met at an audition. The meeting had a filmy touch. At that time, Chamola was new to the industry and did not recognize Khanna, who had already worked on several projects. Khanna pretended to be a newcomer and asked Chamola for advice on cracking auditions. She gave him tips and suggestions.
Later, Khanna offered to drop Chamola at her next audition. During the car ride, he asked her to search his name on Google. That was the moment when Chamola realized he had been teasing her. The couple became friends after that day and started meeting regularly. Their friendship soon turned into a romantic relationship.
Khanna proposed to Chamola with around 100 balloons in a romantic setting. The couple got married on November 23, 2016, in Khanna’s hometown Kanpur. The wedding was a three-day celebration with family and close friends.
Their Life as a DINK Couple
Gaurav Khanna and Akanksha Chamola were open about being a DINK (Double Income, No Kids) couple. They often spoke about their decision to not have children. Khanna said the decision was mutual and he fully respected Chamola’s views. Chamola once shared that having a baby is not easy and requires emotional, physical, and financial readiness. She said parenthood should never be a decision made because of social pressure.
In January 2026, Chamola posted a cryptic message on Instagram that made fans speculate about trouble in their marriage. She quickly clarified that the post had nothing to do with Khanna and was meant to promote her upcoming series. She called herself the “troll queen” and said there was absolutely no trouble in their marriage.
The Divorce Announcement on Lock Upp 2
During the premiere episode of Lock Upp Season 2 on Netflix, Akanksha Chamola dropped the bombshell. She said, “Me and Gaurav are getting a divorce. We have been living separately for the last one year and it’s not been public.” The news shocked the hosts Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh.
Chamola made it clear that there is no bitterness between them. “Things are not bad between me and Gaurav. We still talk to each other. We don’t think we are compatible as partners because we both see a very different future. And, unfortunately, it’s not with each other.” She added that their families had hoped they would reconcile, but that never happened.
The Real Reason Behind Their Split
In the third episode of Lock Upp 2, Akanksha Chamola opened up about why she and Gaurav Khanna decided to separate. She said the main reason is their different views on having children. Chamola explained, “When we got married, I never had a maternal instinct. But I was open to discovering it. Gradually I realised that I am not meant for it and he was okay with it. But I guess, in time, that shifted.”
She further shared, “Now, he wants to have kids and I can’t give him that. I don’t have the instinct. I had told him a long time back. When I realised I am not made for this, I told him I am not going to do it.” Chamola said she told Khanna that if he wanted to leave her, he could, and that would be fair on his part.
She made a honest statement saying, “Let’s be honest, 99 per cent want to get married because you want to have kids and family. He is not wrong on his part. And then Bigg Boss happened and I realised that he wants it badly and I am unable to provide that. For me I don’t want to put him in that situation.” Chamola also said she wants to remain child-free and does not even want to adopt a baby.
The Bigg Boss 19 Connection
Gaurav Khanna won Bigg Boss 19 in December 2025. During the show, he spoke about wanting children. On Day 1 of the finale week, a reporter asked Khanna about using his wife’s decision not to have children to gain sympathy. Khanna responded emotionally and defended Chamola’s choice. He said he loves children and wanted to become a father after marriage. He also said there are very few men who love their wives enough to give up their own wishes.
Akanksha Chamola visited Khanna on the show during the family week. Their reunion was emotional and they shared a warm hug. At that time, fans did not know the couple was already living separately. The hosts and contestants were also unaware of the situation.
What Akanksha Chamola Said About Moving Forward
Akanksha Chamola said she is not ready to fall in love again anytime soon. “I don’t want to fall in love so soon. I want to enjoy my freedom,” she said. Chamola got married at the age of 24 and spent nearly a decade in the relationship. She now wants to explore life on her own terms.
Gaurav Khanna has not yet made any public statement about the divorce. He is currently participating in Khatron Ke Khiladi 15.
Also Read:
Key Moments in Their Relationship
- First Meeting: At an audition where Khanna pretended to be a newcomer
- Dating Period: Several years before marriage
- Marriage Date: November 23, 2016 in Kanpur
- Age Gap: 9 years (Khanna born in 1981, Chamola in 1991)
- Living Separately Since: Approximately June 2025
- Divorce Announcement: June 2026 on Lock Upp 2
- Current Status: Getting divorced, still on talking terms
The couple’s journey from a playful meeting to a nine-year marriage and now to separation shows how personal choices can change over time. Both have maintained respect for each other despite their decision to part ways.
Also Read: Suriya Political Entry: Tamil Actor Clarifies His Stance After Vijay’s TVK Launch
