Updated on February 6, 2026
Jiya Shankar has been stealing hearts ever since she stepped into the spotlight with her charming roles and bold personality. From TV serials to reality shows, this talented actress keeps fans hooked—not just with her performances, but also with the constant curiosity around her personal life. Lately, the biggest question buzzing online is: Who is Jiya Shankar’s boyfriend in 2026?
The actress has stayed mostly private about her relationships, but a few social media posts and media reports have sparked massive speculation. Let’s break it down in a simple, straightforward way and look at what we actually know right now.
Table of Contents
Jiya Shankar: Quick Profile and Career Highlights
Before diving into the romance rumors, here’s a snapshot of who Jiya really is. Born on April 17, 1995, in Mumbai, she’s currently 30 years old and stands at about 5’4″. She kicked off her career as a child artist and slowly built a solid name in the industry.
Some of her popular works include:
- Meri Hanikarak Biwi — where she played Dr. Ira Pandey
- Kaatelal & Sons — as the lovable Susheela
- Bigg Boss OTT 2 — she became a household name after her strong presence on the show
- Marathi film Ved (2022) — earned her praise and a Filmfare nomination
- Upcoming projects like the Tamil film Kadhal Reset Repeat (expected in 2026)
Jiya’s mix of sweet charm and fierce attitude has won her millions of fans across TV, OTT, and social media.
The Boyfriend Buzz: What Really Happened in Late 2025
Things got interesting toward the end of 2025. Rumors flew that Jiya was engaged to fellow Bigg Boss OTT 2 star Abhishek Malhan (aka Fukra Insaan). Some pages even called it “official,” but both quickly shut it down.
Jiya took to Instagram Stories to clear the air. She shared a cozy photo with a mystery man — he was seen kissing her forehead near a Christmas tree — and wrote, “Let’s leave false rumours in 2025!” She added a red heart emoji and the song Dil Tu Jaan Tu.
A few days later, she posted another clip of walking hand-in-hand with the same man on the streets, again keeping his face hidden. Fans went into detective mode trying to figure out who he was.
Who Is the Rumored Boyfriend? Kaaran Dhanak and the Speculations
Multiple entertainment portals and reports pointed to one name: Kaaran Dhanak.
Here’s what the buzz says about him:
- Based in the United States
- Involved in the hospitality business
- Reportedly runs a hookah parlour/lounge
- Some unverified mentions of legal matters related to vape/cannabis business (but nothing confirmed)
Jiya has never officially named him or confirmed the relationship. She has always preferred keeping her personal life low-key and away from unnecessary drama.
Quick Fact Table: Jiya Shankar’s Relationship Rumors Timeline
| Year/Period | Rumored Link-Up | Status/Outcome | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–2023 | Paras Arora | Past link-up, not confirmed | Media reports |
| 2023 | Abhishek Malhan (Fukra Insaan) | Friendship from BB OTT 2, denied romance | Interviews & posts |
| 2024 | Harsh Beniwal | Short-lived rumors | Social media buzz |
| Late 2025 | Abhishek Malhan (engagement) | Strongly denied by both | Viral tweets & news |
| Dec 2025–Jan 2026 | Mystery man (possibly Kaaran Dhanak) | Unconfirmed, Jiya shared hints | Instagram posts & reports |
| Feb 2026 | Elvish Yadav | Viral ring photo, clarified as show promo | Latest news updates |
Recent 2026 Drama: Elvish Yadav Ring Post Explained
Just days ago (early February 2026), Elvish Yadav shared an Instagram Story of holding a woman’s hand with a big diamond ring, captioned something like “Gave love another chance and I found my ♥️.” He tagged Jiya, and she reshared it with a heart emoji.
Fans exploded with congratulations, assuming an engagement. But reliable sources quickly clarified: No engagement, no dating. The post was actually a promotional tease for their upcoming project — hosting a dating reality show together on a major platform.
So, the mystery boyfriend from late 2025 remains the main talking point, not Elvish.
Final Thoughts: Respecting Privacy While Loving the Journey
Jiya Shankar’s love life stays mostly under wraps, and honestly, that’s her choice. She has repeatedly asked fans to focus on her work instead of rumors. Whether she’s single, dating quietly, or enjoying her own space, one thing is clear — she’s thriving professionally and seems genuinely happy.
At the end of the day, celebrities are humans too. They deserve privacy just like anyone else. Let’s keep cheering for Jiya’s upcoming projects, her confidence, and that infectious smile that lights up our screens.
What do you think — should actors share more about their personal lives, or keep it private? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!