Actors Hina Khan and Shilpa Shinde finally shared the screen again on the latest episode of Netflix's reality show Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa. While fans expected fireworks, the long-time rivals stopped short of a direct confrontation. Instead, Hina took a series of subtle digs at Shilpa as she warned fellow contestants against elevating her in the game.
The exchange revived a rivalry that dates back nearly nine years to Bigg Boss 11, where the two frequently locked horns. Their differences have continued long after the show. Most recently, Hina criticised Shilpa after the latter admitted she had falsely accused the producer of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai of sexual harassment. Shilpa later hit back by mocking Hina's cancer diagnosis.
In the latest episode of Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa, Hina Khan and Uorfi Javed appeared as the public's jury and questioned the five 'at-risk' contestants – Harshad Chopda, Shilpa Shinde, Varun Yadav, Pamala Serena and Sufi Motiwala. During the discussion, the contestants unanimously named Shilpa as the most dangerous player in the house, admitting they were intimidated by her.
Reacting to their responses, Hina said, "You guys need training on who you should fear in life and who you shouldn't. I am amazed that you all are saying yourselves that you are scared. When you consider yourself less than someone, that person automatically rises above you. You are literally becoming a ladder for someone to climb."
When Uorfi asked if she was referring to Shilpa, Hina replied, "Of course, they are helping Shilpa climb up the ladder and not realising it. I have to give it to her; she's a very smart player."
Shilpa responded, "Thank you, Hina. Everyone is scared, and they should be."
The discussion later shifted to Shilpa's conduct in the game. Harshad Chopda claimed that her ego was hurting her image and alleged that she often takes sole credit for the success of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. Reacting to his remarks, Hina said, "That's Shilpa Shinde, ladies and gentlemen."
She then cautioned the contestants, saying, "Do not make anyone the king here. This goes for all of you and the people who are watching us on screen. Do not serve things on a platter."
When it came to choosing a contestant to save, Hina decided against saving Shilpa.
Explaining her decision, she said, "I believe that she is doing well in the game. My principles and the kind of person I am, I don't encourage a gameplay where you character assassinate someone. I cannot save her."
After Hina exited the stage, Shilpa responded, "The accusations about character assassinations made against me, I have not done that. The word is being used in a wrong way, so I disagree. Hina can go to hell. She is talking about character assassination. What all she has said on the show, she knows it."
Although their latest interaction did not escalate into a full-blown showdown, it brought Hina and Shilpa's long-running rivalry back into the spotlight. Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa streams on Netflix India from Saturday to Thursday at 8 pm.
