Nidhi Shah Responds to Claim She Had an Affair with Gaurav Khanna — What Really Happened

Rumours and social media gossip move fast — especially when two popular TV actors are involved. Recently, Nidhi Shah, known for her role in Anupamaa, found herself at the centre of chatter suggesting she had an off-screen affair with co-star Gaurav Khanna. In this article I’ll walk you through what happened, how Nidhi Shah reacted, why these stories spread, and what fans should keep in mind when reading viral claims.

Quick summary: the claim and the response

A social media user pointed to Nidhi Shah liking a post that mocked Gaurav Khanna’s recent Bigg Boss 19 win and then alleged there had been an affair between the two during their time on Anupamaa. Nidhi Shah noticed the comment and replied publicly, shutting down the claim with a light, dismissive response — signalling that the rumour was baseless. Multiple outlets picked up her reply and emphasised that she described Gaurav as a close friend and long-time colleague.

What the online claim said — and why it started

The claim began after Gaurav Khanna won Bigg Boss 19 (the finale took place December 7, 2025). Some users who disliked his victory went hunting for perceived signals of hypocrisy or favouritism. They highlighted an instance where Nidhi Shah had reacted to an Instagram reel critical of Gaurav and used that to push an allegation that the two were romantically involved while working on Anupamaa. Social media threads and screenshots accelerated the story.

A short timeline

• 2019–2025: Nidhi Shah and Gaurav Khanna worked together on Anupamaa (various reports note they were colleagues for years).
• Dec 7, 2025: Gaurav Khanna wins Bigg Boss 19.
• Dec 10–11, 2025: A user notices Nidhi’s social media activity and posts speculation; rumours spread.
• Dec 11–12, 2025: Nidhi Shah replies to the comment — effectively denying the claim and calling the idea baseless. Multiple entertainment outlets report her response.

Exactly what did Nidhi Shah say?

Nidhi Shah responded directly to a netizen’s comment suggesting an affair. Her reply was dismissive and lighthearted — she either laughed off the allegation with emoji-filled responses or called it incorrect, depending on the outlet summarising her comment. Several reports quote her clarifying that Gaurav is a “dear friend” and that they have worked together for years; she emphasised there’s nothing more to the story.

Because the interaction occurred in the comments on social media, the tone was quick and informal — not a long press statement. But the key takeaway from Nidhi Shah’s reaction is clear: she rejected the allegation and framed it as baseless gossip.

Why the rumour picked up steam

Rumours of this sort usually grow for three reasons:

1. Confirmation bias and fandom divisions

When a polarising reality show finale happens (as with Bigg Boss 19), fans and critics look for any evidence that supports their pre-existing view. A single social media like or a late-night comment becomes “proof” to some.

2. Screenshots make claims feel real

A screenshot of a liked post or a comment can be cropped or taken out of context, then shared widely as if it proves a secret. That’s exactly what happened here: an apparently small social media interaction was amplified into a relationship claim.

3. The celebrity-gossip economy

Entertainment pages and click-driven content thrive on controversy. Once one outlet picks up a spicy angle, others follow — increasing reach and the perception that there’s “something to it.” Many of the reports about these rumours are short summaries of social-media activity, not investigative pieces.

What this episode teaches fans and readers

Don’t treat social media activity as airtight evidence

A like, a reply, or a shared reel rarely tells the whole story. People interact online for lots of reasons — habit, humour, or to support a colleague’s work. Jumping from that to claims about private lives is risky and often wrong.

Respect the difference between on-screen relationships and real life

Actors play roles and build on-screen chemistry. That doesn’t automatically translate to romance off-screen. Nidhi Shah’s clarification — that she and Gaurav are good friends and long-time colleagues — is a reminder of this distinction.

Be mindful about spreading unverified rumours

Sharing speculation without evidence can harm reputations. If you care about responsible media consumption, check for an official comment from the person involved (as Nidhi provided), and prefer reputable outlets over anonymous posts.

How celebrities are handling online rumours now

Many TV actors choose short, direct replies for these moments — what Nidhi Shah did here — because prolonged public debates tend to fuel the story further. Others issue detailed statements through their PR teams. Either way, the trend is toward quick clarification: deny misinformation, reaffirm boundaries, and move on. Entertainment reporters then typically summarise that response for readers.

Final take — keep calm, read critically

Nidhi Shah handled the allegation quickly and clearly: she dismissed the claim and described her relationship with Gaurav Khanna as that of close colleagues and friends. Multiple mainstream outlets carried her response, and there’s no reliable evidence supporting the affair allegation. If anything, this incident is a reminder to treat social media screenshots and hot takes with a healthy dose of scepticism.

If you’re a fan of Anupamaa or follow Nidhi Shah’s work, the sensible approach is to enjoy the performances and let the actors’ private lives remain private unless they choose to speak. When celebrities address rumours directly — as Nidhi did — that should generally be enough.

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