When Ananya Panday recently shared photos from a friend’s wedding in Udaipur, she likely didn’t anticipate that one particular picture would capture everyone’s attention—least of all Janhvi Kapoor, who found herself at the center of speculation after responding to a photo of her boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya “twinning” with Panday in matching outfits.
The Viral Moment That Caught Everyone’s Attention
The moment that sparked this online buzz came from the wedding celebrations of Deeya Shroff and Mihir Wadhwani in Udaipur. Among the series of photos Ananya Panday posted to Instagram on Saturday, one specific image stood out: the sixth slide in her carousel.
This particular photo showed Ananya and Shikhar Pahariya posing together in strikingly similar ethnic outfits. While Ananya wore an ethnic co-ord set, Shikhar sported a sherwani made from the same embroidered fabric. The actress wore a hilariously confused expression on her face, while Shikhar smiled broadly beside her.
It was this image that prompted Janhvi Kapoor to comment directly on the post with a simple but telling message: “6th slide,” followed by several smiling emojis. Her response immediately caught the attention of fans, with one netizen asking, “@janhvikapoor possessive haan,” while another joked, “@janhvikapoor mai to na seheta” (I wouldn’t have tolerated this).
More Than a Decade of Connection: Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar’s Relationship Timeline
Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya are no strangers to speculation about their relationship status. While they’ve never formally confirmed they’re dating, their interactions both online and offline suggest a close bond that has stood the test of time.
- Early Beginnings: Janhvi has revealed that Shikhar has been part of her life since she was 15 years old. She described their connection in an interview with Mirchi Plus, saying, “Her dreams have always been his dreams, and his dreams have always been her dreams. They have been very close and have been each other’s support system, almost as if they have raised one another”.
- Social Media Banter: This isn’t the first time Janhvi has publicly interacted with Shikhar in a way that sparked dating rumors. In 2023, when Shikhar appeared in a video dancing with another woman, a seemingly “jealous” Janhvi commented, “Who is this pink girl?” To this, Shikhar reassuringly replied, “I’m all yours”.
- Family Approval: Janhvi’s father, filmmaker Boney Kapoor, has expressed his fondness for Shikhar. In an interview with Zoom, he said, “I love Shikhar. In fact, a couple of years back, Janhvi was not seeing him, but I was still friendly to him. I was convinced that he can never be an ex, he’ll always be around”.
- Public Appearances: The two have frequently been spotted together at various events, including a recent friend’s wedding where they coordinated in ethnic wear, and during Christmas 2024 celebrations in Jamnagar with the Ambanis.
The Wedding That Brought Everyone Together
The viral “twinning” moment took place at the wedding of Deeya Shroff and Mihir Wadhwani, which brought together members of Bollywood’s younger generation in Udaipur. The celebration featured multiple events including Mehendi ceremonies and receptions where the star-studded guest list brought their fashion A-game.
Aside from Ananya Panday and Shikhar Pahariya, the wedding attendees included Navya Naveli Nanda, Shanaya Kapoor, Kajol’s daughter Nysa Devgan, and celebrity friend Orry. According to reports, Deeya Shroff isn’t a Bollywood actress but has been part of this core friend group since their school days.
Navya Nanda also shared photos from the celebrations, including one where she posed happily with her best friend Ananya Panday, captioning it: “A wholesome celebration @deeyashroff & @mihirmadhvani!!!”
How Fans Are Reacting to the Exchange
Social media users have been thoroughly entertained by the friendly exchange between Janhvi and Ananya. The comments section of Ananya’s post quickly filled with reactions to Janhvi Kapoor’s comment about the twinning photo.
Many fans interpreted Janhvi Kapoor’s response as playful rather than genuinely jealous, noting that her use of smiling emojis suggested she saw the humor in the situation. Others appreciated the lighthearted nature of the interaction, comparing it favorably to previous instances where Janhvi had questioned Shikhar about other women in his social media posts.
The incident has sparked discussions about the close-knit nature of Bollywood’s younger generation, who frequently attend events together and appear comfortable interacting on each other’s social media platforms.
Your Questions About the Viral Bollywood Moment, Answered
1. Are Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya officially dating?
While Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya have never formally confirmed their relationship, they make no effort to hide their closeness. They frequently attend events together, from weddings to vacations, and their playful social media interactions suggest they’re more than just friends.
2. How does Janhvi typically react to Shikhar’s posts with other women?
Janhvi has shown herself to be playfully engaged with Shikhar’s social media content. In previous instances, she has left comments using cute nicknames like “ladddoooooooooo” with fiery and heart emojis, and once even jokingly asked “Who is this pink girl?” when he appeared in a video with another woman.
3. Who is Deeya Shroff, whose wedding this was?
Deeya Shroff isn’t a Bollywood actress but has been part of this core friend group since their school days in Mumbai. She maintains a close circle of friends and family within the entertainment industry.
4. How long have Janhvi and Shikhar known each other?
Janhvi Kapoor has revealed that Shikhar has been in her life since she was 15 years old, meaning their connection spans nearly a decade.
5. Who else was part of the wedding celebrations?
The wedding guest list included Navya Naveli Nanda, Shanaya Kapoor, Nysa Devgan (Kajol’s daughter), and Orry, among other members of Bollywood’s younger generation.
A Glimpse Into Bollywood’s Personal Side
The playful exchange between Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, and Shikhar Pahariya offers more than just celebrity gossip—it reveals how Bollywood’s younger generation maintains genuine friendships and relationships despite constant public scrutiny. Rather than hiding from speculation, they’ve learned to engage with it in ways that feel authentic to them.
What makes this particular interaction noteworthy is its transparency—Janhvi’s decision to comment publicly rather than privately shows comfort with both her relationship and her friendship with Ananya. In an industry often characterized by manufactured images, such authentic moments provide a refreshing glimpse into the real personalities behind the celebrity.
What do you think about Janhvi Kapoor’s very public reaction to the twinning photo? Share your thoughts on what such interactions reveal about the changing nature of celebrity friendships in Bollywood’s next generation.
