Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani reunite for friendly lunch post-separation
Synopsis
More than a year after their separation, Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani stepped out together for a Sunday lunch in Mumbai with actor Jackky Bhagnani and close friends — a public signal that their post-marriage friendship is very much intact, even as Bharat has hinted at a new romance.
Key Takeaways
Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani were seen together at a friendly lunch in Mumbai on 25 May 2025 .
The outing also included actor Jackky Bhagnani , actress Smriti Khanna , and Gautam Khanna , among others.
Esha and Bharat officially announced their separation last year after over a decade of marriage; they continue to co-parent their two daughters .
Bharat Takhtani stood by Esha during the passing of her father Dharmendra in November last year.
Bharat has reportedly hinted at a new relationship through a recent social media post.
Bollywood actress Esha Deol and her ex-husband Bharat Takhtani were spotted together on Sunday, 25 May, sharing a relaxed lunch outing in Mumbai with a close circle of friends — marking a warm public reunion nearly a year after their separation was officially announced.
The Gathering
Actress Smriti Khanna, who was among those present, shared a group photograph from the afternoon on her social media, captioning it: 'Fun afternoon & top-tier gossip. Thank you Esha.' The image featured Esha Deol, Bharat Takhtani, actor Jackky Bhagnani, fitness coach Satya, Smriti Khanna, Gautam Khanna, and several other friends. Esha later reshared the picture on her own social media account.
Their Separation and Co-Parenting Bond
Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani had married in 2012 and were together for over a decade before officially announcing their separation last year. In a joint statement, the two requested privacy and emphasised that the well-being of their two daughters — whom they continue to co-parent — would remain their foremost priority.
The Sunday lunch underscores the amicable nature of their post-separation relationship. Notably, on Bharat Takhtani's birthday last year, Esha posted a warm message on social media, writing: 'Happy Birthday Dada to my babies.... Stay happy, healthy and blessed.'
Bharat's Support During Family Tragedy
The bond between the former couple was also evident during a particularly difficult period for the Deol family. When veteran actor Dharmendra — Esha's father and son of the late actor — passed away in November last year, Bharat was reportedly by Esha's side throughout the mourning period, standing firmly with her and her family.
Esha Deol is the daughter of the late Dharmendra and veteran actress Hema Malini.
Bharat Hints at New Romance
Meanwhile, in recent months, Bharat Takhtani reportedly hinted at a new relationship through a social media post in which he shared a photograph posing romantically with a woman whose identity he chose not to reveal. The development suggests both individuals are moving forward with their personal lives while maintaining a cordial co-parenting arrangement.
The Sunday outing signals that despite the end of their marriage, Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani have built a mature, friendship-first dynamic — one that their shared social circle appears to fully embrace.
Point of View
Social-media-documented friendships between former spouses, making Esha and Bharat's dynamic genuinely unusual in Bollywood's public narrative. What the outing really communicates is a co-parenting philosophy that prioritises a stable social environment for their children over the performance of estrangement. That Bharat has simultaneously hinted at a new relationship, without any apparent friction surfacing, suggests both parties have navigated the transition with uncommon maturity. The mainstream coverage will fixate on the 'reunion' angle, but the more significant story is how they have normalised an amicable post-marriage life in a film industry that rarely models it this openly.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani separate?
Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani announced their separation last year after more than a decade of marriage. In a joint statement, the couple requested privacy and said their children's well-being would remain their top priority; no further reasons were publicly disclosed.
Are Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani on good terms after their separation?
Yes, the former couple have maintained an amicable relationship. They continue to co-parent their two daughters, and Esha publicly wished Bharat on his birthday last year. Their joint appearance at a Mumbai lunch on 25 May 2025 further confirms the cordial bond.
Who else was at the lunch with Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani?
The gathering included actor Jackky Bhagnani, fitness coach Satya, actress Smriti Khanna, Gautam Khanna, and several other close friends. Smriti Khanna shared the group photograph on social media.
Is Bharat Takhtani in a new relationship?
Bharat Takhtani reportedly hinted at a new romance through a recent social media post in which he shared a photograph posing with a woman whose face he chose not to reveal. He has not made any official statement about the relationship.
Who are Esha Deol's parents?
Esha Deol is the daughter of the late veteran actor Dharmendra and actress Hema Malini. Dharmendra passed away in November last year, during which time Bharat Takhtani was reportedly present to support Esha and her family.
