Narayani Shastri Defends Akanksha Chamola, Says Television Still Favors the ‘Ideal Bahu’ Image

Television actor Narayani Shastri has weighed in on the ongoing public discussion surrounding actor Gaurav Khanna and his wife, Akanksha Chamola, urging people not to rush to conclusions about their relationship while also sharing her views on how the television industry often judges performers based on image rather than talent.

Speaking during an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Narayani reflected on the couple’s separation, Akanksha’s recent revelation about her sexuality, and the contrasting expectations placed on actors working in television and OTT entertainment.

“Don’t Assume the Worst”

Addressing speculation surrounding Gaurav Khanna and Akanksha Chamola, Narayani said she prefers not to assume that public appearances or supportive gestures are publicity exercises.

According to her, if a couple says they have been trying to repair their relationship, that explanation deserves to be respected instead of immediately being questioned.

She noted that relationships are often complicated and that separated couples may still choose to support one another while deciding their future.

Narayani added that people outside a relationship rarely know the complete picture and should avoid drawing conclusions based solely on public appearances.

Support During Separation Is Still Possible

Responding to questions about Gaurav’s appearance on Lock Upp 2, Narayani said that supporting a spouse does not necessarily contradict the reality of marital difficulties.

She explained that separation does not automatically erase emotional support or mutual respect, particularly when a couple has shared many years together.

Her comments encouraged viewers to recognise that personal relationships often involve complexities that are not visible to the public.

On Akanksha Chamola’s Career Prospects

The conversation later turned to Akanksha Chamola’s disclosure that she is bisexual and whether such openness could affect opportunities within the television industry.

Narayani said she was unsure whether Akanksha intended to continue working in television, suggesting that OTT platforms may offer greater creative freedom and acceptance.

She also observed that discussions about actors frequently focus more on personal image than acting ability.

According to Narayani, performance should remain the primary factor when evaluating artists, regardless of the platform on which they work.

Television Versus OTT

Sharing her perspective on the industry’s changing landscape, Narayani suggested that traditional television often continues to favour a conventional public image, particularly for female performers portraying family-oriented roles.

She contrasted this with the OTT space, which she believes has become more open to diverse identities, unconventional storytelling and performers from varied backgrounds.

Expressing support for Akanksha, Narayani said that an individual’s sexuality should not determine professional opportunities or define their capabilities as an actor.

Industry Expectations Continue to Evolve

The conversation reflects a broader discussion taking place across the Indian entertainment industry as streaming platforms expand opportunities for performers and audiences embrace increasingly diverse stories.

Questions surrounding representation, personal identity and the separation between an actor’s private life and professional work have become more prominent in recent years.

While opinions differ across the industry, Narayani Shastri’s comments highlight the ongoing conversation about balancing public perception with artistic merit, particularly as television and digital entertainment continue to evolve.