Mumbai, Sep 23 (NationPress) Actress Janhvi Kapoor stole the spotlight at the red carpet premiere of “The Homebound,” showcasing a dazzling smile while posing alongside veteran politician Sushil Kumar Shinde, who is the grandfather of her boyfriend, Shikhar Pahariya.

During the event, Kapoor was seen joyfully posing for the paparazzi with Shikhar’s family, including his grandfather Sushil Kumar Shinde. In a video clip, Janhvi, dressed in a stunning black and blue saree, stood next to Sushil Kumar Shinde as she smiled for the shutterbugs. This rare public appearance caught significant attention online, as many interpreted it as Janhvi’s subtle acknowledgment of her growing connection with Shikhar Pahariya’s family.

Other delightful moments from the premiere featured the actress warmly interacting with his relatives — from showing respect by touching his grandmother’s feet to sharing affectionate hugs and posing with the entire family on the red carpet while engaging in joyful conversations.

Interestingly, despite long-standing rumors linking Janhvi Kapoor to Shikhar Pahariya, she has never publicly confirmed their relationship. However, in April, she sparked intrigue at the screening of Maidaan by donning a necklace that bore his name. The actress was seen wearing a necklace engraved with ‘Shiku’ — her affectionate nickname for Shikhar Pahariya. This gesture marked the first time Janhvi openly acknowledged their relationship in public.

Last year, during an episode of Karan Johar’s chat show ‘Koffee With Karan,’ Janhvi Kapoor referred to Shikhar Pahariya as ‘Shiku’. When asked by Karan to name three people on her speed dial, she quickly replied, “Papa, Khushu, and Shiku.” It was clear that she realized almost instantly she had inadvertently revealed Shikhar’s name publicly.

For those unfamiliar, Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya are believed to have been childhood friends, with their bond gradually evolving into a romantic relationship over the years. Speculation regarding their romance first surfaced in 2016, although the pair neither confirmed nor denied the rumors at that time.

Reports indicate that the couple separated shortly after Janhvi’s Bollywood debut in 2018, a fact she later hinted at during her appearance on ‘Koffee With Karan.’ The duo reportedly rekindled their romance in 2022 and has since been thriving, frequently making joint appearances at public events.