Lock Upp 2: Riteish Deshmukh says 'shame doesn't lie with the victim' after contestants reveal childhood abuse
Content warning: This article discusses sensitive topics such as abuse and molestation. Reader discretion is advised.
Key facts
- Lock Upp 2 co-host Riteish Deshmukh addressed the emotional revelations made by contestants during a task.
- Shreya Kalra, Ram Kapoor, Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi opened up about being molested during childhood.
- Riteish said the shame for such crimes lies with the perpetrator, not the victim.
- He praised the contestants for giving courage to viewers to speak about their own experiences.
- The co-host also avoided picking a favourite contestant, saying he wants to be unbiased.
Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa has entered its finale week, but the emotional weight of its latest episode may stay with viewers for much longer. During a high-stakes challenge, several contestants decided to share deeply personal experiences of childhood abuse. What followed was a moment of raw vulnerability inside the house, and a powerful statement from co-host Riteish Deshmukh outside it.
The reality show, hosted by Farah Khan and co-hosted by Riteish Deshmukh, has often blurred the line between entertainment and human drama. Set in a prison-like format, Lock Upp 2 asks contestants to survive challenges, confront each other and reveal parts of themselves in front of cameras. In the latest task, that pressure produced some of the most heartbreaking confessions of the season.
Contestants share painful childhood memories
Shreya Kalra, Ram Kapoor, Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi spoke about being molested during their childhood. Their disclosures were not rehearsed speeches or publicity-driven statements. They were painful admissions made in a tense environment, with many housemates watching in silence. As each contestant spoke, the weight of their memories appeared to fill the room.
Fellow contestants stepped forward to offer comfort and support. Some sat close to the speakers, while others echoed words of reassurance. The moment did not just change the mood inside the house; it also triggered a wave of reactions on social media. Viewers noted how similar many of the stories were, and how common childhood abuse remains in society. Many also praised the contestants for speaking up in a space where viewers often expect only arguments and entertainment.
Riteish Deshmukh: 'Shame doesn't lie with the victim'
Reacting to the episode in an interview, Riteish Deshmukh said he deeply admired the contestants for speaking about such traumatic experiences on a public platform. He acknowledged that confiding in a friend, spouse or parent is difficult enough, but saying something on national television requires extraordinary strength.
"I feel all of the contestants are achievers in their own right and it is not easy to come out. This is not the same as saying it to one's friend, wife, parents, but to say that out loud in the open and embrace whatever happened to them is not easy. But I must say that it gives immense strength to a lot of others and to talk about it."
He then made a direct and important point about blame. In his view, survivors should not carry the burden of shame for crimes committed against them.
"The shame lies on the perpetrator and not on the victim. We need to really give that strength and embrace the fact, and so I just feel the contestants have given immense strength even to the viewers to come out and talk about. To name these people and shame them publicly."
Riteish's words were widely shared online. The phrase 'shame doesn't lie with the victim' became a recurring theme in discussions about the episode. Mental health advocates and ordinary viewers alike appreciated the clarity of the message, especially on a platform that often prioritises sensationalism over sensitivity.
Why the revelations matter beyond the show
Childhood sexual abuse is a subject that has historically been silenced by stigma. Survivors often struggle for years with guilt, confusion and fear of being judged. When public figures share their stories, it can help others recognise that they are not alone. It also challenges the misconception that victims somehow invited the abuse.
Riteish's response was significant because it shifted the focus from the survivors to those who harmed them. The idea that shame belongs to the perpetrator is a crucial part of supporting survivors. It validates their pain and encourages an environment where they can speak without fear of being blamed.
The Lock Upp 2 segment also highlighted the importance of having support systems. In the house, other contestants listened with empathy. Online, viewers created a space of solidarity. Many shared messages of appreciation for Shreya, Ram, Harshad and Shivangi, saying their honesty had inspired others to consider opening up about their own experiences.
Riteish on his favourite contestants
With the finale fast approaching, Riteish was also asked whether he had a favourite contestant. He said he and Farah Khan did not have the luxury of choosing sides, even though they observed every participant closely. He praised Shreya's journey, calling her a very strong player. He also highlighted Shivangi and Harshad's growth and said their stories were still unfolding.
Ram Kapoor, who was initially reluctant in the show, eventually embraced the format, according to Riteish. He also appreciated the efforts of Varun, Yogesh, Akanksha and Shilpa Shinde. "All of them were great, in their own ways," he said, adding that he wanted to remain as unbiased as possible and enjoy everyone's journey.
His comments reflect the broader arc of a season that has been as much about personal transformation as competition. The participants may have entered Lock Upp 2 hoping for visibility and victory, but many of them have ended up confronting issues they had carried privately for years.
The impact of the episode
The episode also raised important questions about responsibility. When reality shows assign tasks that trigger emotional responses, the mental health of the participants must be prioritised. Producers and hosts play a role in ensuring that vulnerable moments are handled with care. Riteish's empathetic response and the visible support from fellow contestants suggested that the show was aware of the sensitivity of the moment.
For audiences, the episode served as a reminder of the long-term impact of trauma. A child who has been abused does not simply 'get over it' after the event. The effects can echo into adulthood, influencing relationships, self-esteem and mental health. The courage shown by the contestants in naming their experiences is a step toward breaking that cycle of silence.
There is also a larger societal message. Many survivors never receive the validation they deserve. They may be told to move on, or they may fear that speaking up will bring them more harm. When a popular co-host says outright that the shame lies with the perpetrator, it sends a signal that victims are not responsible for the crimes committed against them.
What happens next
Lock Upp 2 is now heading toward its finale, and attention will soon shift to who wins the trophy. But the conversations generated by the contestants' revelations may have a more lasting impact. The season will be remembered not only for its fights and eliminations, but for the moment when several people chose to turn their pain into strength on a public stage.
The show has also started conversations about how reality television handles difficult subjects. Some viewers argued that such tasks should be voluntary and trauma-informed, while others praised the platform for giving survivors a chance to be heard. Whatever the debate, Riteish's words have made one thing clear: the responsibility for abuse rests with the abuser, and no survivor should feel ashamed.
As the finale approaches, viewers will continue to watch with a new understanding of the contestants. The revelations have added depth to their journeys, reminding audiences that every participant has a story far more complex than what is shown in daily highlights.
Source: PINKVILLA News