‘Alliance’: Kushal Tandon’s Joke About Ex-Girlfriend Gauahar Khan in Front of Husband Zaid Darbar Sparks Backlash (Watch Video)
Kushal Tandon faces backlash for a controversial joke about ex-girlfriend Gauahar Khan in front of her husband Zaid Darbar on 'Alliance'. Netizens slam both Tandon for the remark and Darbar for his laughter. The article details the exact words, online reactions, and their relationship history, including Gauahar and Zaid's marriage.
A seemingly light-hearted comment by actor Kushal Tandon on the Amazon Prime Video reality show Alliance has spiralled into a major controversy, leaving television audiences and social media users divided. The remark, made in front of Gauahar Khan's husband, Zaid Darbar, has been widely condemned as disrespectful, with a significant portion of the online community also criticising Darbar for his reaction. ‘Lock Upp S2’: Sunita Ahuja Refuses Food, Expresses Desire To Quit Riteish Deshmukh’s Show; Recalls Govinda’s Advice (Watch Video).
What Did Kushal Tandon Say Exactly in Front of Zaid Darbar?
The contentious moment unfolded during an episode of 'Alliance' while Kushal Tandon and Zaid Darbar were working out alongside fellow contestants Mini Mathur and Arslan Goni. Zaid reportedly recounted an instance where he had asked Kushal for a cigarette because his own were "bekar" (bad). To this, Kushal Tandon quipped, "Tujhe saali, saari meri cheezin pasand aati hai" (You always like my things).
While Tandon later dismissed it as "a joke," the comment was widely interpreted by viewers as a direct, sarcastic reference to his past relationship with actress Gauahar Khan. The immediate reactions saw Mini Mathur visibly stunned, while Arslan Goni intervened, urging both men to refrain from such remarks on the show.
Kushal Tandon's Remark on Ex-Girlfriend Gauahar Khan
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Netizens React to Kushal Tandon's Comment
The clip of the incident quickly went viral across social media platforms on July 6, 2026, triggering an outpouring of reactions. Netizens primarily slammed Kushal Tandon for what they termed a "disrespectful and unnecessary" joke, accusing him of dredging up a former relationship for mere entertainment. However, a substantial portion of the backlash was directed at Gauahar Khan's husband, Zaid Darbar, who was seen laughing during the exchange.
Many users questioned Zaid's silence and laughter, calling his reaction "disappointing" and even "spineless" for not defending his wife. Some particularly strong comments condemned the joke for "comparing the mother of your children to an object." In contrast, Arslan Goni received praise from users for being the only one to visibly disapprove and intervene. Neither Kushal Tandon, Gauahar Khan, nor Zaid Darbar has officially addressed the ongoing controversy.
Fans Angry Over Kushal Tandon's Comment on ‘Alliance’
The Trio's Relationship History
Kushal Tandon and Gauahar Khan's relationship began on the sets of the reality show Bigg Boss 7 in 2013, quickly becoming one of television's most-watched couples. However, their romance concluded in 2014.
Gauahar Khan subsequently married choreographer and content creator Zaid Darbar on December 25, 2020. The couple has since welcomed two children: their first son, Zehaan, born in May 2023, followed by their second son, Farwaan, on September 1, 2025. Madhuri Jain Grover Faces Backlash Over 'Rich Should Have More Kids' Remark on Lock Upp 2.
Interestingly, the recent controversy comes just days after Gauahar Khan publicly defended Zaid Darbar during another incident on Alliance, where she criticised fellow contestant Nikhil Chinapa for allegedly attempting to create a rift between Zaid and Kushal, asserting that Chinapa was "the only one playing everyone around."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2026 07:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
