Cinema VinesActor Kushal Tandon and choreographer‑content creator Zaid Darbar, both competing on Kunal Kemmu’s new Prime Video reality series Alliance, found themselves at the center of a social media storm after a clip from the latest episode surfaced. In the footage, Zaid is seen spending time with new contestant Kashish Kapoor, testing perfumes, sharing croissants and even feeding each other with their hands. While they were in the room, Kushal, accompanied by Vanshaj Singh and Payal Dhare, was heard discussing Zaid’s growing rapport with Kashish. Payal joked that Zaid’s wife, actress Gauahar Khan, would “give him a good beating” when he returned home, to which Kushal replied, “I swear! Sabse ke bed ke andar ghusa rehta hain. Aur alag alag ladkiyo se chipka rehta hain,” translating roughly to “He hides under everyone’s beds and sticks to all the new girls.” Sohail Khan also chimed in, mocking that Zaid was aware of the conversation and was trying to hide his face in shame.
The episode’s comments echoed a controversy that erupted a few weeks earlier when Kushal’s remarks about Gauahar Khan, whom he was once married to, sparked backlash on social media. Zaid, too, faced criticism for his participation in the joke. In response, Banijay Asia, the production house, released an apology video on Instagram, featuring Zaid himself. In the clip, Zaid apologized, saying, “Sometimes, I just get carried away with my life. I didn’t realise it. What Kushal said was wrong. And I took it lightly. It’s my fault.” He added, “I’m sorry. Really sorry. And I hope you understand what I am. You know me. You know what kind of person I am. I can’t hurt anyone. I can hurt myself, but I can’t hurt anyone around me. That’s the truth.”
Vanshaj Singh, who entered the show as a wildcard contestant, told Zaid that Kushal’s remarks were the reason Gauahar had faced massive online backlash. Gauahar, in turn, responded to the apology in the comments section, reassuring Zaid: “Vanshaj is playing. Masti is ok, coz u know every silly thing doesn’t mean one gets offended. U are right, don’t get swayed by dirty play. Keep rocking Jaanu.” The couple, who married in December 2020 after Gauahar’s engagement to Zaid, have two sons: Zehaan, born in 2023, and a second son born in 2025.
“Alliance” is a high‑stakes, strategy‑based reality show that pairs 16 celebrities and creators, who must navigate shifting alliances, psychological warfare, and a series of physical and mental challenges. Episodes stream daily at 12 noon on Prime Video, and the series has already become a talking point for its intense drama and unexpected twists.
