Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Kushal Tandon: I Saw Zaid Darbar As Friend, Not Husband
Kushal Tandon is an actor who used to date another actress named Gauahar Khan a long time ago.
They both were part of a TV reality show called Alliance.
Gauahar's husband, Zaid Darbar, was also on the show.
Some people thought it might be awkward, but Kushal said he and Zaid became good friends.
He said he just saw Zaid as another contestant, not as his ex's husband.
One time, Kushal joked that Zaid liked all his things, like his coffee, cigarettes, and protein shakes, and that joke became a big deal on the internet.
Kushal said it was just a friendly joke between them.
Zaid had said Kushal apologised for the joke, but that apology was never shown on TV.
Kushal also told everyone he only joined Alliance because a producer named Ektaa Kapoor asked him to.
He is happy that viewers got to see who he really is.
Kushal Tandon said he never viewed Zaid Darbar as Gauahar Khan's husband during the reality show Alliance, seeing him only as a fellow contestant.
The two became good friends, and Kushal said his relationship with Gauahar dates back about 15 years with 'no bad blood.'
Kushal clarified his viral remark 'Tujhe saari meri cheezein pasand aati hai' was banter about Zaid liking his cigarette, coffee and protein shake, with no malice intended.
Zaid had previously said that Kushal apologised to him and his family for the comment, although the apology was not aired on the show.
Kushal said he joined Alliance only because producer and mentor Ektaa Kapoor convinced him, after he had initially decided against returning to reality TV.
- Who
- Actor Kushal Tandon, alongside Zaid Darbar, Gauahar Khan, Vanshaj Singh, and producer Ektaa Kapoor.
- What
- Kushal Tandon discussed his friendship with Zaid Darbar, clarified his viral comment, and explained why he joined the reality show Alliance.
- When
- Not specified in the article; Kushal noted his past with Gauahar Khan and his Bigg Boss appearance both date back around 15 years.
- Where
- The reality show Alliance, with the interview given to the Hindustan Times.
- Why
- To address public reaction to his remark about Zaid Darbar and to set the record straight about his experience on the show.
Kushal Tandon's Version
Zaid Darbar & Vanshaj Singh's Reported Version
The Viral Comment 'Tujhe Saari Meri Cheezein Pasand Aati Hai'
Kushal Tandon's Version
Kushal says it was harmless banter about Zaid liking his cigarette, coffee and protein shake, understood by both as a joke with no malice.
Zaid Darbar & Vanshaj Singh's Reported Version
Zaid previously said Kushal apologised to him and his family over the comment, suggesting the remark caused enough offense to require an apology.
The Apology and House Dynamics
Kushal Tandon's Version
Kushal says Vanshaj lied that he did not apologise, later admitted the lie, and wanted Zaid to break his alliance with Kushal, turning the whole house against him.
Zaid Darbar & Vanshaj Singh's Reported Version
Vanshaj Singh reportedly told Zaid that Kushal had not apologised, and the apology Zaid referenced was never aired on the show.
- Reality show
- Alliance
- Kushal's viral remark
- Tujhe saari meri cheezein pasand aati hai
- Bond with Zaid Darbar
- Good friends; 'gelled up like boarding school guys'
- Past with Gauahar Khan
- Dated around 15 years ago; 'no bad blood'
- Producer who convinced him
- Ektaa Kapoor, with whom he worked on his last four shows
- Kushal's stated reason for joining
- 'I just did this show because of Ekta Kapoor'
- Claim against Vanshaj Singh
- Kushal says Vanshaj told Zaid about outside reaction, lied about him not apologising, and later admitted it