Veteran actor Ashish Vidyarthi has put rumors of a feud with social media influencer Apoorva Mukhija, popularly known as The Rebel Kid, to rest. The duo, who shared the spotlight on the gripping reality show The Traitors, found themselves at the center of controversy when Mukhija’s on-show comment about Vidyarthi sparked accusations of disrespect. However, in a recent candid interview with journalist Siddharth Kannan, the 63-year-old actor revealed that Mukhija reached out to apologize, and he harbors no ill feelings toward the young influencer.
The controversy erupted when Mukhija, 23, made a remark during The Traitors that some deemed inappropriate toward the senior actor. Her comment, “Mujhe lagta hai Ashish jaayega (I feel Ashish will go),” drew criticism from co-contestants, including actor Sudhanshu Pandey, who felt it crossed a line of respect for Vidyarthi’s stature in the industry. The backlash painted Mukhija as brash, but Vidyarthi’s gracious response has shifted the narrative.
Speaking to Kannan, Vidyarthi shared that Mukhija wasted no time in addressing the issue. “Within a day, she sent me a WhatsApp message saying, ‘Sir, I want to apologise,’” he recounted. “I called her and said, ‘Apoorva, I spoke to you on the show, and I think you’re a wonderful human being. It’s all good.’” The Ram Naidu star emphasized that he holds no grudges, describing their interaction as warm and genuine.
Vidyarthi went further, offering praise for Mukhija’s journey and character. “Apoorva has emerged from an incredible journey with a great deal of dignity. She cherishes her family and does so much for them,” he said. His advice to her was heartfelt: “Carve your own path. Some may try to push you into a specific image, but you should follow your own direction.” The actor’s wisdom and empathy underscored his appreciation for Mukhija’s unique persona, which he described as refreshingly distinct. “Her style, the way she talks, her existence—it’s all her own. She does her thing, and I do mine. That’s fine,” he added with a smile.
Reflecting on their time together on The Traitors, Vidyarthi called meeting Mukhija a “wholly new experience.” As a veteran of the industry, he admitted to feeling somewhat out of touch with the younger generation before the show. “I met a generation I was unfamiliar with, and it dawned on me that I had been somewhat isolated. Apoorva and a few others were new faces, representing a completely different perspective and way of thinking. I was genuinely pleased to connect with them,” he shared.
The actor’s warmth extended to a lighthearted plan for the future. “Apoorva mentioned wanting to have lunch with me one day, and I said, ‘Of course.’ If I’m in the area and she’s free, we’ll definitely make it happen,” Vidyarthi said, dismissing any lingering tension with a chuckle.
While Vidyarthi’s response has quelled the controversy surrounding their on-show dynamic, Mukhija finds herself entangled in a fresh row off-screen. Her ex-boyfriend, Utsav Dahiya, recently accused her of “cheating” and “fabricating lies” in a public video. Choosing not to engage directly, Mukhija responded cryptically on a fan edit, writing, “The truth always comes out babe, it’s just a matter of time.” Her restraint has only fueled speculation, keeping her in the headlines.
On the professional front, Vidyarthi continues to captivate audiences with his latest role in the web series The Secret of the Shiledars, now streaming on JioHotstar. Co-starring Rajeev Khandelwal and Sai Tamhankar, the series showcases his enduring versatility as an actor.
As the dust settles on The Traitors drama, Vidyarthi’s gracious handling of the situation and Mukhija’s bold persona highlight the generational bridge formed through their unexpected connection. Their story serves as a reminder that respect and understanding can prevail, even in the high-stakes world of reality television.