Highlights:
A comment about menopause made by reality show contestant Nikhil Chinapa has sparked a controversy, with television personality Gauahar Khan and influencer Awez Darbar publicly criticizing his remarks. The discussion began after Nikhil responded to Gauahar’s comments about his performance on the reality show Alliance.
The controversy started when Nikhil brought up menopause and perimenopause while addressing Gauahar’s criticism of his gameplay.
During a conversation about Gauahar’s remarks, Nikhil said he had never personally met her but knew about her through her husband Zaid Darbar, who is also part of the reality show. While responding to her comments, he suggested that another person might have more insight into the issue.
Nikhil said, "Maybe Mini will know more about this because she deals a lot with menopause and perimenopause. So maybe, she may have some insights on why Gauahar said whatever she said."
The statement quickly drew criticism because many viewers felt that connecting a disagreement about a reality show strategy with menopause was unnecessary and dismissive. Critics argued that women’s health issues should not be used as a way to respond to personal disagreements or criticism.
Gauahar Khan and Awez Darbar respond
Gauahar Khan was the first to publicly criticize the comment. She said she was disappointed that someone would bring up menopause while responding to her views about a contestant’s gameplay.
She said, "I feel so sad for them that they don't even know the basics of how sensitive this issue called menopause and perimenopause is and what women go through. And for someone like Nikhil Chinapa to mention that as a comeback to my viewpoints of him as a player... it's shocking."
Gauahar also clarified that she had recently become a mother and was not experiencing menopause or perimenopause.
She added, "For your information, I've had a baby nine months ago, so clearly I'm not going through menopause or perimenopause. Get your facts right and please be sensitive to women when you're putting them in a category like that. Disgusting."
Following Gauahar’s reaction, Awez Darbar also criticized Nikhil through a video shared on his Instagram Stories. He questioned why Nikhil brought up menopause in response to a simple question about the game.
Awez said, "Maine ek reality show haar kar ainvi hi bura feel kar raha tha. Nikhil Chinapa sir, 19 saal reality show ka shor macha kar ye bol rahe hain. (I was uselessly feeling bad after losing one reality show. Here is Nikhil Chinapa who has been doing shows for 19 years and saying this)."
He continued, "Nikhil sir, kya question pucha hai aur aap kya answer kar rahe ho? Matlab kuch to logic rakho na. Menopause ke baare mein mujhe itna pata toh hai nahi, but aap jaise men ko pause hone ki bahut zarurat hai, itna pata hai. Gauahar ne apni reply se already sabko pause kar diya hai, to I think itna hi bolna chahunga. Beesvein (20th) saal ke liye all the best. Acha karna (What is the question and what did you answer? Seems like there is no logic at all in what you say. I don't know much about menopause but I know men like you need to pause. Gauhar has given it back to you and I would only like to wish you the best for your 20th year. Do better)."
Reality show debate turns into larger conversation
Nikhil Chinapa, who was a contestant on Alliance, was eliminated from the show’s July 26 episode. While the original discussion was about his gameplay and performance, the menopause remark shifted attention toward how public figures discuss women’s health topics.
The backlash from Gauahar and Awez reflects a wider conversation about using sensitive health issues responsibly. Many viewers have argued that discussions around menopause should focus on awareness and understanding rather than being used in personal arguments or entertainment debates.
As the controversy continues, the incident has become another example of how comments made on reality shows can quickly expand into larger social media conversations.
