Mumbai, July 3 (IANS) Television star Harshad Chopda, in a heart-to-heart conversations with Dheeraj Dhoopar, opened up about how fear and a lack of understanding once shaped his perception of the LGBTQ+ community.

He revealed that he had recently apologised to a gay man years after running away from him out of fear, stating that he just didn’t know how to deal with gay men.

During a conversation on the reality show *Lock Upp Season 2, Harshad recalled an incident from the early days of his career after fellow contestant Dheeraj Dhoopar shared his own perspective on the LGBTQ+ community.

Sharing his experience, Harshad said, “Maine ek ramp walk kiya hai zindagi mein. Uske bhi paise nahi mile kyunki paise lene ghar jana hai.” (I had once walked the ramp but just didn’t take any money because for that I would have had to go to his house)

He then admitted that he had once panicked after meeting a gay man.

“Pehle na main bhaag jaata tha seedha. Samajh nahi aata tha. Uss insaan ko main kuch din pehle mila tha. Darr bahut lagta tha, uss time pe bhaag gaya tha bahana bana ke ki shoot hai. Usko pata tha ki shoot cancel hai phir bhi main bhaag gaya tha,” he said. (Initially, I would just run away. I just couldn’t understand. I had once met a gay man for the first time and I was very scared and I remember I made an excuse and just escape from that place)

Harshad added that when he met the same person again years later, he apologised for his behaviour.

“When I met him now, I went to him and told him ki ‘Sorry I did not know how to deal with the situation’. I am not a confrontational person. Phattu (Timid) insaan hoon. Maybe it takes me longer but mujhe darr lagta tha,” the actor shared.

Actor Dheeraj Dhoopar, further spoke warmly about his interactions with members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“I am so comfortable around gays. Lagta hi nahi hai. Personally, mera yeh opinion hai ki they are better human beings. They are more sensitive towards everything. They are wonderful,” Dheeraj said.

The conversation took place during the latest episode of which explored the subject of sexuality, identity and societal acceptance.

During the breakfast hour, contestants of the show, were asked whether sexuality defines a person’s identity, forms a part of it, or is shaped largely by society’s perception.

Fashion influencer Sufi Motiwala was seen sharing his personal journey during the discussion, revealing that his parents still believe there is something wrong with him because of his sexuality,

–IANS

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