Mumbai, Aug. 14 -- The cigarette joke that dragged Gauahar Khan's name into the Alliance drama has finally received a clarification from Kushal Tandon. The actor says viewers read too much into his casual exchange with Zaid Darbar and insists there was no hidden dig at his former girlfriend.

During the show, Zaid asked Kushal for a cigarette, prompting the latter to joke, "Tujhe meri cheezein pasand aati hain." As Kushal and Gauahar had previously dated, the remark quickly raised eyebrows, with many social media users interpreting it as a reference to her.

Kushal has now dismissed the speculation, calling the exchange nothing more than friendly banter.

"It was just boys' talk. I would smoke a cigarette, and he would want my cigarette. ...