Riteish Deshmukh reacts to Harshad Chopda giving up his Lock Upp 2 finale spot to save Shivangi Joshi amid a heated fan debate.
Lock Upp Season 2: Harshad Chopda’s decision to give up his place in the grand finale to save Shivangi Joshi has emerged as one of the most discussed moments of the reality show. While some viewers praised the actor for putting his friendship ahead of the game, others questioned whether Shivangi influenced his decision. Amid the debate, host Riteish Deshmukh has now shared his perspective on the controversial moment.
Riteish Deshmukh Breaks Silence on Harshad-Shivangi Debate
Speaking about Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi’s equation, Riteish Deshmukh said that friendships inside a reality show can naturally influence the way contestants play the game.
According to Riteish, supporting someone you genuinely care about is not necessarily a sign of weak gameplay. He pointed out that contestants often build partnerships and support systems while simultaneously trying to protect their individual chances of winning.
The actor-host also highlighted that the game constantly forces participants to choose between teamwork and self-preservation. Since only one contestant can ultimately win the trophy, such difficult decisions are bound to arise.
Riteish felt that Harshad had managed to play independently while also standing by Shivangi when she needed his support. He described the willingness of contestants to take a stand for each other as something positive to witness.
Riteish Says He Has No Favourite Contestant
Riteish Deshmukh also addressed his approach as the host of Lock Upp Season 2. He maintained that he does not pick a particular contestant as his favourite because every participant has experienced a different journey inside the show.
The host acknowledged that contestants have gone through highs and lows during their time in the house. Some had particularly strong phases, while others experienced quieter periods. However, he believes that the contestants stepped up as the finale approached and delivered their best performances.
Riteish also mentioned several contestants, including Shreya Kalra, Shilpa Shinde, Yogesh Rawat, Akanksha Chaudhary, Ram Kapoor and Pamala Serena, while talking about the journeys he enjoyed. He also said that he misses Sunita Ahuja being part of the show.
Why Riteish Does Not Treat Every Contestant the Same
In another interaction, Riteish explained that being a reality-show host and judge requires understanding the personalities and circumstances of individual contestants.
He said that contestants may sometimes lose motivation or feel that they have already given everything they can to the competition. According to Riteish, the role of the host is not simply to criticise or reprimand them but also to motivate them and understand what each person needs.
He stressed that every contestant is different and therefore cannot be handled using the same approach. Riteish added that he, along with Farah, tries to understand the contestants and respond according to their individual journeys.
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Harshad Chopda Gave Up His Finale Spot for Shivangi
The major twist unfolded after Harshad Chopda won a task and became the first finalist of Lock Upp Season 2. His position in the finale appeared secure until Shreya Kalra used her advantage to eliminate Shivangi Joshi.
Harshad was then faced with a major choice. Instead of retaining his finalist position, he decided to give it up in order to save Shivangi from elimination.
The decision came with a huge personal cost. Harshad was eliminated from the competition, while Shivangi remained in the race for the Lock Upp Season 2 trophy.
Internet Divided Over Harshad and Shivangi’s Decision
Harshad’s sacrifice triggered mixed reactions among viewers. A section of the audience praised him for standing by Shivangi and prioritising their bond over his own position in the competition.
However, others questioned the circumstances behind his decision and accused Shivangi of putting emotional pressure on Harshad. The contrasting reactions have made their equation one of the biggest talking points of the season.
With the finale approaching, Shivangi now carries the responsibility of making Harshad’s sacrifice count by continuing her journey in the competition. Meanwhile, Riteish Deshmukh’s comments have added another perspective to the debate surrounding friendship, strategy and individual gameplay inside the Lock Upp house.
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