Hardik Pandya Tags Mahika Sharma on Instagram, Fans Debate New Romance
When Hardik Pandya, the India all‑rounder born on October 11, 1993, posted a beach snap on Instagram on October 10, 2025, the internet went into a frenzy. The shot showed him resting his hand on the shoulder of model‑actress Mahika Sharma, 24, who was dressed in a white shirt dress and looking away from the camera. In the caption, Pandya added a blue evil‑eye emoji, which he said was meant for “protection and good luck.”
The post arrived exactly two years after his separation from Serbian actress Natasa Stankovic, a split that became public in late 2023. While Pandya’s son Agasti, born July 21, 2020, remained a private focus, the new Instagram gesture was taken by many as an official nod to a budding romance.
Background: Pandya’s Personal Life and Past Links
Hardik’s marriage to Stankovic in 2020 had made headlines across both sports and entertainment circles. Their breakup, announced via a joint statement in December 2023, left the cricket world speculating about his next steps. Shortly after, tabloids linked him to model Jasmin Walia, but that rumor faded quickly.
Mahika Sharma, a Delhi‑born model who also acted in the 2019 biopic PM Narendra Modi opposite Vivek Oberoi, had been on the periphery of Bollywood gossip for a while. The actress‑model’s Instagram handle, a modest 300k followers, suddenly saw a surge after the October 10 post.
Instagram Post Sparks Confirmation
Asianet Newsable, an Indian entertainment outlet, reported that the Instagram post was “signaling to the world that she is now the special woman in his life.” The article highlighted two images: a relaxed beach scene and a black‑and‑white picture where Mahika wore a black leather mini dress. Pandya tagged @mahikas_sharma in both, a move that, in the eyes of some analysts, crossed the line from casual friendship to public acknowledgment.
“When you tag someone in a personal photo, especially with a symbolic emoji, you’re telling your followers you’re comfortable sharing that space,” said media analyst Rohit Mehta of the Indian Media Institute. “It’s a subtle yet clear cue.”
However, yardbarker.com countered, noting that “whether Hardik and Mahika are actually in a relationship or not has not been officially confirmed yet — though the rumors are spreading rapidly.” The discrepancy between sources set the stage for a media tug‑of‑war.
Airport Sighting & Festival Timing
Earlier that morning, News18 and English Webdunia both reported that Pandya and Sharma were spotted together at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. The duo walked side‑by‑side, with Pandya choosing not to pose for photographers, letting Sharma lead the way. The sighting coincided with the start of Karva Chauth Mumbai, a Hindu fasting festival celebrated by married women for their husband’s longevity.
The timing was more than coincidental. In Indian cultural context, appearing publicly with another woman on Karva Chauth can be read as a bold statement about moving on from a previous marriage.
Public Reaction and Media Divide
Within hours, the Instagram video of the beach walk went viral. Fans posted memes, while Reddit users dissected the mutual follow status as a “digital hint.” One commentator wrote, “If they follow each other, why not a post?” Meanwhile, critics argued that social media gestures are easy to stage and should not be taken as proof.
- Instagram likes on the post: 1.2 million
- Twitter mentions about the couple in the first 24 hours: 45 k
- Reddit threads discussing the emoji symbolism: 3 major threads
Asianet Newsable declared, “It’s clear that Hardik’s heart is now with Mahika, and fans are celebrating the new chapter.” In contrast, Yardbarker held back, saying, “The rumors are spreading, but no formal statement has been released by either party.”
What This Means Going Forward
For Pandya, the potential new relationship arrives at a crucial juncture in his cricketing career. He is slated to play in the IPL season starting March 2026 and has the ICC World Cup trials later in the year. A stable personal life could translate into on‑field focus, something coaches often emphasize.
For Mahika, the association with a high‑profile cricketer may open doors in Bollywood, where celebrity couples often become media fixtures. Industry insiders predict a possible brand endorsement tie‑up, especially in lifestyle and sports‑related products.
Legal experts note that, should the couple decide to marry, the existing custody arrangement for Agasti could be revisited, although Indian courts typically prioritize the child’s best interest.
FAQ
How did Hardik Pandya confirm his relationship with Mahika Sharma?
On October 10, 2025, Pandya posted two Instagram photos featuring Mahika, tagged her handle, and added a blue evil‑eye emoji. Asianet Newsable interpreted the post as a public confirmation, though some outlets still call it a rumor.
What significance does the Karva Chauth timing have?
Karva Chauth is observed by married women fasting for their husbands’ well‑being. Pandya appearing with another woman on this day suggests a symbolic break from his previous marriage, amplifying media interest.
How have fans reacted on social media?
The Instagram post garnered 1.2 million likes within hours. Reddit threads dissected the emoji and mutual following, while Twitter saw over 45 k mentions, ranging from celebratory memes to skeptics demanding an official statement.
What could this mean for Pandya’s cricket career?
A stable personal life often translates to better on‑field focus. With the IPL and upcoming ICC events on the horizon, a supportive partner might boost his performance, though coaches stress professionalism above personal matters.
Will the couple face any legal hurdles?
If they decide to marry, custody of Pandya’s son Agasti could be reassessed. Indian family law generally prioritises the child’s welfare, so any changes would require court approval.
