Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya and model Mahieka Sharma set social media alight on October 20, 2025, during Diwali festivities, appearing together in matching red traditional attire at a high-profile Mumbai bash. The pair, who have been the subject of dating rumours since early October, twinned effortlessly—Pandya in a red kurta paired with black trousers and loafers, accessorised with sunglasses and gold jewellery, while Sharma opted for a vibrant red bandhani salwar suit, black leggings, and white slip-ons.
Videos and photos of them exiting the event, captured by paparazzi and swiftly shared across platforms like X and Instagram, amassed millions of views within hours, with fans dubbing them the "new power couple" of cricket and fashion. This public outing follows a string of viral moments, including airport sightings on October 10 and cosy beach getaway snaps from Pandya's 32nd birthday earlier in the month, where Sharma posted affectionate Stories hinting at their bond.
Speculation intensified when Pandya shared an Instagram photo with Sharma on his official handle shortly after their Mumbai airport encounter, marking his first public nod to a post-separation romance. Sharma, a 24-year-old Mumbai-based award-winning model and yoga trainer with a degree in economics and finance, has built a robust portfolio in the industry. She has fronted campaigns for brands like Tanishq, Vivo, and Uniqlo and walked ramps for luminaries including Anita Dongre, Ritu Kumar, Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Malhotra, and Amit Aggarwal.
Her Instagram, boasting over 52,000 followers, often showcases her modelling gigs, wellness routines, and glimpses of high-society events. The duo's chemistry—evident in shared laughs and synchronised steps in the Diwali clips—has drawn comparisons to Pandya's high-octane playing style, blending flair with poise. While neither has issued an official statement, sources close to the couple describe their connection as organic, forged through mutual circles in Mumbai's entertainment and sports scenes.
Pandya's personal life has been under the spotlight since his amicable split from Serbian actress and dancer Natasa Stankovic in July 2024, after four years of marriage and the birth of their son, Agastya, in 2020. The duo, who wed in an intimate ceremony amid the COVID-19 lockdown, cited mutual respect and co-parenting priorities in their joint announcement: "We tried our best... this is in the best interest of both of us," Pandya stated, requesting privacy during the transition.
The separation, preceded by months of rumours, drew widespread support from fans, who rallied with messages of empathy for Stankovic on social media. Recent posts sympathising with her resurfaced amid the Diwali buzz, with users urging respect for all involved. Pandya, sidelined by a quadriceps injury from the 2025 Asia Cup, has channelled energy into recovery and off-field pursuits, including philanthropy through his VH1 Foundation. His resilience on the pitch—boasting 1,860 T20I runs and 98 wickets—mirrors this personal reinvention, as he eyes a return for upcoming ODIs against Australia.
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The viral Diwali moment, amplified by outlets like the Times of India and Sportskeeda, underscores the intersection of sports stardom and celebrity culture in India, where athletes' private lives often eclipse professional feats. Netizens flooded X with memes and well-wishes, from "Hardik's off-field sixes" to calls for a joint brand collaboration, while a few voiced concerns over the age gap and rapid timeline post-divorce. Sharma's poised response—sharing her own festive stories without direct comment—highlights her media savvy.
As Pandya focuses on rehabilitation ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, this chapter adds a narrative of renewal to his journey, blending cultural festivities with personal milestones. In an era of relentless scrutiny, their story resonates as a reminder of life's celebratory turns, even as Team India navigates series challenges without their dynamic all-rounder.
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