Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 6 : 'Lock Upp' winner Shreya Kalra said her victory was a testament to the support she received throughout the reality show, while also responding to criticism over her win and reflecting on some of the controversies that marked her journey.
Speaking at a press conference after lifting the trophy, Kalra dedicated the win to those who stood by her during the competition, crediting her boyfriend Rishabh Jaiswal and co-contestants Shilpa Shinde and Madhuri Grover.
"This win is for my mental trauma that I went through in the show. This belongs to everyone who supported me inside and outside the show - my fans, my family, Rishabh, Shilpa ji and Madhuri ji."
She added that while the trophy belonged to her supporters, the Rs 1 crore prize money would be put to practical use. Kalra said she intends to contribute to a shelter home supported by Shilpa Shinde and invest the remaining amount in property, playfully describing herself as "business-minded."
Addressing criticism from those who questioned whether she deserved to win, Kalra remained firm in her stance.
"I know that I am deserving. Whatever I gave to the show, I did mentally, physically and emotionally. I deserve this trophy and also the prize money. No matter what anyone says, it doesn't matter to me. You cannot be a hero in everyone's story. I know that I am the heroine of my own story. If someone calls me a villain, I will accept it," she added.
Kalra also spoke about her equation with fellow contestant Akanksha Chamola, admitting she regretted revealing a personal detail during the game.
"I shouldn't have done that. I apologised to her a lot and tried to sort it out. If the other person doesn't want to give you a chance, your self-respect also matters. I will give her time," Kalra shared.
The 'Lock Upp' winner expressed concern over the online trolling faced by Shivangi Joshi, saying no contestant deserved sustained hate after the show.
"I don't want anyone to go through that. I have experienced that hate. It mentally disturbs you. She's a very nice human being, and I just want her to stay well," she said.
Reflecting on her overall journey, the reality star said she has moved on from the conflicts that unfolded inside the house.
"The show is done for me. Whatever happened is done and dusted. I'm really grateful that I got this award, the trophy and the one crore rupees. Let me have fun with that. No more controversies, please," Kalra concluded.
Shreya Kalra was officially declared the winner after securing the highest number of final votes.
While Shreya claimed the title, Shilpa Shinde finished as the first runner-up, with Yogesh Rawat securing the second runner-up position. The finale featured five contestants: Shreya Kalra, Shilpa Shinde, Shivangi Joshi, Ram Kapoor and Yogesh Rawat.
The showdown came down to Shreya and Shivangi Joshi. Based on votes cast by the hosts, former contestants and special guests, Shreya secured the maximum votes to lift the coveted trophy.
The closely contested finale saw her defeat Shivangi by a margin of seven votes.