Riteish Deshmukh Abruptly Shuts Down Reporter Over Controversial Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt ‘Lock Up’ Question

Riteish Deshmukh kept the focus on boundaries at the launch of Lock Upp Season 2 after a reporter attempted to connect Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt with the reality show’s prison-themed format. The actor, who is hosting the new season with Farah Khan, refused to answer the question and made it clear that he found the remark inappropriate.

The exchange took place during the media interaction for Lock Upp 2, which is set to premiere on Netflix from June 27. While the event was meant to introduce the upcoming season, Riteish’s firm response became one of the most talked-about moments from the launch.

Riteish Deshmukh refuses to entertain Salman-Sanjay question

During the event, a reporter asked Riteish whether Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt could be invited to the show because, according to the question, they had “experience” with lock-ups. The question was framed around the show’s concept, which places contestants inside a jail-like setting and follows their interactions under strict rules.

The reporter asked in Hindi, “Jo aapke sabse kareebi log hain, Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt, inhe kaafi experience hai lock up ka. Toh kya aap inhe Lock Upp mein layenge, aur saza kya denge?” The question loosely translated to whether Riteish would bring his close friends Salman and Sanjay onto Lock Upp, and what punishment he would give them.

Riteish did not allow the comment to turn into a casual joke. Responding sharply, he said, “Sabse pehle mujhe nahi lagta aapke sawaal ko jawaab deke koi dignity dena chahunga. Aapka sawaal hai, mujhe jawaab nahi dena.” His response translates to: “First of all, I don’t think I’d like to give your question any dignity by answering it. It’s your question, and I don’t want to answer it.”

The reply drew attention because Riteish chose not to laugh off the remark or soften his stand. Instead, he signalled that questions built around the personal legal histories of actors should not be treated as entertainment talking points, even at a promotional event for a show built around confinement and confrontation.

Actor clarifies his role as Lock Upp 2 host

When the reporter pressed the matter further and asked whether Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt could appear on the show, Riteish clarified that he does not decide the line-up. He said his responsibility is limited to hosting and interacting with those who enter the show as contestants or guests.

Riteish said, “Nahi launga. Kyunki mera kaam hosting ka hai. Aur jo inmates aate hain, mujhe nahi pata hota hai as hosts. And jo bhi guests aate hain Lock Upp mein, unse hum baat karte hain.” In English, he explained that he would not bring them because his job is to host, and hosts are not told in advance who the inmates will be.

His clarification also underlined how reality shows are structured behind the scenes. Casting, guest appearances and contestant entries are usually handled by the makers, platform and production teams. Hosts may shape the tone on screen, but they do not always control who appears in the format.

For Riteish, the answer served two purposes. It shut down the personal nature of the question and also corrected the assumption that the host could independently invite Bollywood stars into the show. The actor stayed direct without expanding the controversy beyond the moment.

Lock Upp returns with a new platform and host pairing

Lock Upp became known for its prison-style set, public tasks, confessions and high-conflict conversations. The format places celebrity contestants in a controlled environment where personal equations and survival strategies become central to the show. Its tone depends heavily on confrontation, but the launch incident showed that not every provocation lands within acceptable promotional space.

The second season brings Riteish Deshmukh and Farah Khan together as hosts. Both have distinct public personas. Riteish is often seen as measured and quick-witted, while Farah is known for direct humour and a strong command over reality television settings. Their pairing suggests the makers are aiming for a mix of humour, authority and sharp commentary.

The move to Netflix also gives Lock Upp 2 a different positioning from its earlier digital identity. Streaming platforms have increasingly invested in unscripted Indian entertainment, especially formats that combine celebrity access with conflict-driven storytelling. For viewers, the appeal often lies in watching public figures deal with pressure, scrutiny and shifting alliances.

However, reality television promotions can also blur the line between edgy questions and insensitive references. The Riteish exchange is a reminder that entertainment events are still public forums where celebrities may choose to challenge the framing of a question rather than answer it for publicity value.

Why Riteish’s response stood out

Bollywood press events often include uncomfortable or loosely framed questions, especially when a show’s theme invites easy wordplay. In this case, the reference to Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt pushed the conversation towards personal histories rather than the show itself. Riteish’s refusal kept the focus on dignity and professional boundaries.

The moment also mattered because Salman and Sanjay are not marginal names being casually referenced. Both actors have long public careers, large fan bases and well-documented past controversies. Any remark linking them to a “lock-up” format was always likely to attract attention beyond the show’s launch.

Riteish’s response did not attack the reporter personally, but it rejected the premise of the question. That made the exchange notable. He neither offered a defensive explanation on behalf of the two stars nor allowed the moment to become a joke at their expense.

With Lock Upp 2 scheduled to begin streaming from June 27, the launch has already generated conversation around the show’s tone and its new hosts. Riteish Deshmukh’s reaction may not reveal much about the contestant list, but it has made one thing clear: he is willing to draw a line when a promotional question turns personal.