Janhvi Kapoor Reveals How Shikhar Pahariya Paused London Studies After Sridevi's Demise
Reflecting on one of the most challenging periods of her life, Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has shared an emotional look into how her partner, entrepreneur and professional polo player Shikhar Pahariya, became an anchor of support following the sudden death of her mother, legendary superstar Sridevi, on February 24, 2018. Speaking candidly in an upcoming episode of filmmaker Karan Johar’s popular talk show Koffee with Karan Season 9, the actress recounted how Shikhar stepped forward during the tragedy to stand by her family, demonstrating profound commitment by putting his overseas academic pursuits on hold to be physically accessible in Mumbai during their darkest hours, even though the pair were not romantically involved at the time.
Semester Break from London to Juhu: How Shikhar Stood by the Kapoors in 2018
According to excerpts reported by the Times of India, Janhvi detailed the selfless gestures Shikhar made after receiving news of Sridevi’s untimely demise, which had sent shockwaves through the film fraternity and the Kapoor household. Enrolled in higher education in London at the time, Shikhar took roughly half a semester off from his coursework and immediately relocated to Mumbai, residing with his father before moving to a friend's house in Juhu for nearly a month to stay within close physical proximity to the family. Janhvi noted that while they did not meet on a daily basis, she later discovered that his quiet presence in the neighborhood was driven by the single-minded protective instinct to simply be around in case she or her family needed any assistance or immediate presence during their grief.
From Teenage Companions to Public Romance: Inside Janhvi and Shikhar's Bond
The enduring relationship between Janhvi and Shikhar dates back long before their current public courtship, with the actress having previously shared that their acquaintance began during their formative teenage years when she was roughly 15 or 16 years old. Shikhar, the son of seasoned businessman and investor Sanjay Pahariya, has established his own professional identity as an entrepreneur alongside competing in national and international polo circuits. While the couple maintained a private approach to their romance in its early stages, their regular appearances together at high-profile social galas, festive celebrations, and public engagements—alongside Janhvi frequently sporting a personalized gold neckpiece bearing the pet name "Shikhu"—have cemented their standing as one of Bollywood’s most recognized and steadily grounded couples.
