Reality show contestant Zaid Darbar has publicly apologised to his wife Gauahar Khan after a remark made by actor Kushal Tandon during the show 'Alliance' triggered criticism on social media. Gauahar later responded with a supportive message, saying she accepted the apology.

A recent episode of the reality show 'Alliance' has become the centre of online discussion after a conversation involving Kushal Tandon and Zaid Darbar drew criticism from viewers. The controversy began when Kushal made a humorous remark that many social media users interpreted as a reference to his past relationship with actress Gauahar Khan.

Following the backlash, Zaid Darbar shared a public apology, while Gauahar responded with a message of support.

During a conversation inside the show, Zaid Darbar mentioned that he had borrowed a cigarette from Kushal Tandon because the ones he had were not good.

Responding jokingly, Kushal said, "You always like my things." Many viewers interpreted the statement as an indirect reference to Gauahar Khan, who was previously in a relationship with Kushal before marrying Zaid.

The clip quickly went viral, leading to criticism of both contestants on social media.

A video shared by Banijay Asia on Instagram showed Zaid Darbar apologising for the incident.

With folded hands, Zaid said he had not realised the seriousness of the remark at the time and admitted that he should not have taken it lightly.

He added that he never intends to hurt anyone and expressed regret if his actions or reactions caused emotional distress.

According to the show, wildcard contestant Vanshaj Singh informed Zaid that the conversation had led to online trolling directed at Gauahar Khan.

After learning about the reaction, Zaid chose to publicly apologise and clarify that hurting Gauahar or anyone else was never his intention.

Gauahar Khan accepted the apology and commented on the Instagram post shared by Banijay Asia.

She encouraged Zaid not to be affected by negativity and reminded him that friendly banter is acceptable when there is no intention to hurt anyone. She also advised him to stay focused on the game rather than getting distracted by unnecessary controversy.

Her response was widely appreciated by fans for its calm and positive tone.

The comment also surprised fellow contestant Mini Mathur, while Arslan Goni, who entered the show as Kushal Tandon's alliance partner, advised both Kushal and Zaid to avoid making such remarks on the show.

Kushal maintained that the statement had been made as a joke without any malicious intent.

Kushal Tandon and Gauahar Khan first met during Bigg Boss Season 7 in 2013, where they began dating. The couple separated in 2014.

Gauahar later got engaged to choreographer and content creator Zaid Darbar in 2020, and the two married in December the same year. They welcomed their first son, Zehaan, in 2023, followed by their second child in 2025.

What began as an on-screen joke soon turned into a social media controversy, prompting Zaid Darbar to issue a public apology. Gauahar Khan's supportive response helped calm the situation, while the incident once again highlighted how reality show moments can quickly attract widespread public attention and online debate.