Were Esha Gupta and Hardik Pandya in a romantic relationship? The model turned actress responds
For years, the rumor has linked the Bollywood actress Esha Gupta and Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya in a web of speculation about a possible romantic relationship. Today, Esha finally broke her silence, setting the record straight in a candid interview and putting an end to the persistent whispers.
Esha Gupta sets the record straight
Esha, known for her roles in films like Raaz 3 and Jannat 2, addressed the long-standing rumors in a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan. She clarified that although she and Hardik were in touch for a brief period, their relationship never developed into a real relationship.
“Yeah, for a while we were talking. I don’t think we were dating, but yeah, we were talking for a few months. We were at the ‘maybe it will happen, maybe it won’t happen’ stage. It ended before we even got to the dating stage. So it wasn’t a date-meeting thing. We met once or twice, that’s all. So yeah, like I said it, it lasted a few months and then it ended. “ Esha revealed.
Esha pointed out that their bond was more of a bond “get to know each other” phase rather than a full-fledged romance. She explained that timing and compatibility played a role in why things never progressed further.
“There was no drama or bitterness. It just wasn’t supposed to happen,” she said, adding that while I was there “maybe this could have happened” something more, it quickly died out.
The actress made it clear that the relationship ended amicably, with no fallout or lingering issues. “We met once or twice, that’s all.” she reiterated, putting an end to any speculation about a secret or extended affair.
Esha Gupta also addresses the Koffee With Karan controversy
The timing of their brief connection coincided with Hardik’s infamous appearance on Koffee With Karan in 2019, which led to widespread backlash against the cricketer for his controversial comments. Esha, who was rumored to be linked to Pandya at the time, also addressed this episode.
She clarified that at the time the controversy broke out, she and Pandya were no longer in touch and the incident had no impact on her personally. “That part didn’t affect me, because we had already stopped talking at that point.” she explained.
Esha publicly criticized Pandya’s remarks at the timedistancing himself from the cricketer and emphasizing his own views on women’s empowerment.
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Hardik and Esha move forward in their respective lives
Since then, both have evolved in their personal and professional lives. Hardik married a Serbian actress-model Natasa Stanković in 2020, and the couple welcomed a son, Agastyathe same year. They had a big vow renewal ceremony in 2023 but announced their separation in July 2024, pledging to co-parent amicably. Pandya is now in a relationship with a model Mahieka Sharma.
Esha, on the other hand, is currently dating a Spanish native Manuel Campos Guallar – the president and owner of Mabel Capital. The model-turned-actress also continues to focus on her acting career, with recent appearances in shows like Ek Badnaam Aashram 3 and ongoing film projects.
ALSO READ: Who is Mahieka Sharma? Hardik Pandya’s new girlfriend
