Indian cricket has always had its share of on-field fireworks — but sometimes, the real entertainment unfolds off the pitch. And this time, it involved Hardik Pandya, a cheeky joke, and a Bollywood reference that quickly grabbed attention.
During a recent podcast appearance, former cricketer Ashish Nehra took a playful dig at Hardik’s much-discussed personal life — and the internet, unsurprisingly, took note.
The Podcast Moment That Sparked It All
Nehra and his wife Rushma joined Harbhajan Singh and actress Geeta Basra on the podcast Who’s The Boss? for a light-hearted chat.
As part of a fun game, the cricketers had to match Bollywood film titles with fellow players. When the film Khiladi Number One was mentioned, Nehra jokingly crowned Harbhajan as the “real Khiladi” in the romance department before marriage. The banter only got livelier when Harbhajan shared a humorous memory of Nehra partying in the UK.
But the moment that truly caught attention came when the film Devdas entered the conversation.
Harbhajan quickly named Hardik Pandya. Nehra, not fully convinced, added with a grin, “I’ve heard he changes Paro every day.” The room burst into laughter — and so did social media soon after.
Hardik’s Personal Life: A Timeline
Hardik Pandya’s relationships have often made headlines alongside his cricketing performances.
He married Serbian model and actress Natasa Stankovic in May 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. The couple welcomed their son Agastya just two months later. In February 2023, they renewed their vows in a grand ceremony in Udaipur, Rajasthan — a celebration that seemed straight out of a Bollywood wedding.
However, by July 2024, the two announced their separation, ending their four-year marriage.
Soon after, Hardik was linked to British singer Jasmin Walia. The two were spotted vacationing together, and she was even seen traveling with the Indian cricket team bus at one point. The rumored relationship, however, didn’t last long.
Later, speculation began around Hardik and Mahieka Sharma, before the cricketer made their relationship official on Instagram in October last year.
Banter or Bold?
Cricketing circles are known for their locker-room humor, and this seemed to be in that spirit — light-hearted, unscripted, and meant to entertain. Still, when it comes to public figures like Hardik, even playful comments tend to spark wider discussion.
Interestingly, Hardik himself has often addressed scrutiny around his personal life with calm confidence, choosing to focus publicly on his game and fitness.
Final Words
Ashish Nehra’s “Devdas” remark may have been said in jest, but it reminded fans how closely cricket and Bollywood continue to intertwine in India.
Hardik Pandya remains a headline-maker — whether it’s for match-winning performances or relationship updates. And if there’s one thing clear, it’s this: in Indian cricket, the drama doesn’t always end with the final over.
