Shilpa Shinde Labels Co‑Stars Akanksha Chamola and Pamela Serena ‘Lesbians’ Over Their On‑Screen Romance

When the trailer for the new web series “Do Ladkiyo Me Itna Pyaar?” dropped, the buzz was about its steamy romance, glossy cinematography and a cast that’s been making waves on digital platforms. But within hours, the conversation took a sharp turn after veteran actress Shilpa Shinde posted a comment that many called both candid and controversial.

In a Instagram story, Shilpa wrote, “Akanksha and Pamela are totally lesbians on‑screen, and honestly, it’s cute!” The short, almost‑off‑hand remark was accompanied by a clip from the series where the two characters share an intimate moment—a scene that, according to the show’s creators, is meant to portray a deep bond rather than a label.

The comment didn’t sit well with everyone. Fans of the series were quick to defend the storyline, pointing out that the narrative is exploring a spectrum of love that goes beyond the usual boy‑girl formula. Meanwhile, a few social media users accused Shilpa of perpetuating stereotypes, arguing that simply labeling the characters as “lesbians” reduces a nuanced portrayal to a catchy soundbite.

Akanksha Chamola, who plays the free‑spirited Aria, responded in a calm Instagram post, saying, “Our characters are about love in its many forms. I hope viewers can feel the authenticity behind every emotion we bring to the screen.” Pamela Serena, portraying the introspective Maya, echoed the sentiment, adding, “It’s beautiful that the show is opening conversations about LGBTQ relationships in a space that rarely sees it.”

Behind the scenes, the series’ director, Rajiv Malhotra, defended the creative choice, noting, “We wanted to tell a story that feels real for today’s audience. The chemistry between Akanksha and Pamela is rooted in genuine affection, not a gimmick.” He also clarified that the series does not intend to pigeonhole the characters into any single label, but rather to reflect the fluid nature of love.

What started as a seemingly playful comment quickly spiraled into a broader debate on representation in Indian digital content. While some argue that any depiction of same‑sex romance is a step forward, others feel that the portrayal must be handled with sensitivity, avoiding clichés or reductive labeling.

Regardless of the divide, the buzz has undeniably put “Do Ladkiyo Me Itna Pyaar?” in the spotlight. The series, which releases next week on the streaming platform StreamFlix, promises a blend of drama, humor, and heartfelt moments. Whether viewers will embrace its bold storytelling or critique its execution remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation around LGBTQ narratives in Indian web series is finally getting the volume it deserves.