Mumbai: Niki Tamboli’s boyfriend Arbaz Patel, who is currently part of Ashneer Grover-hosted reality show ‘Rise and Fall’, sparked a controversy by objecting to Dhanashree Verma’s way of greeting her male contestants.
In a viral video clip from the show, Arbaz is seen asking Dhanashree not to give front hugs to male contestants.
The viral video left tongues wagging with viewers slamming Arbaz, calling him “possessive” and “controlling.”
Amid the controversy, Niki stood by her boyfriend Arbaz, saying he was just concerned about Dhanashree and there is nothing brewing between them.
Nikki, known for her no-nonsense attitude, entered the ‘Rise and Fall’ house to put an end to the controversy.
“Arbaz comes from a reserved background. He hasn’t been around girls who hug so closely, so his reaction came from a place of concern, not discomfort. He was just being protective and caring at that moment,” Niki was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
“He was simply trying to look out for her. People need to understand his nature before jumping to conclusions,” she added.
In the viral video, Arbaz is heard telling Dhanashree, “Tum kya seedha jakar hug karti ho. Arjun ko, Aarush ko? (Why do you directly hug Arjun or Aarush or others?).”
Dhanashree replied that she greets everyone the same way.
After Arbaz suggested that she should give only side hugs to male contestants, Dhanashree quipped, “Main side hug kabhi nahi karti, sabko front hug hi karti hoon. (I never give side hugs, I always give front hugs to people).”
Apart from Dhanashree and Arbaz, the show also features Arjun Bijlani, Nayandeep Rakshit, Aditya Narayan, Pawan Singh, Kiku Sharda, Kubbra Sait, Aarush Bhola, Aahana Kumra, Sangeeta Phogat, Anaya Bangar, Bali, Akriti Negi and Noorin Sha.