Television actor Arjun Bijlani has strongly reacted to dating rumours linking him with his long-time friend and former co-star Mouni Roy after the two were recently spotted together in Mumbai. The speculation began when a paparazzi page shared a video of the actors stepping out of a restaurant after dinner, accompanied by a caption that hinted at a possible romantic relationship.
The post quickly gained traction on social media, especially because Mouni Roy recently confirmed her separation from husband Suraj Nambiar. As gossip spread across several entertainment pages, fans began questioning whether there was more than friendship between the two actors.
However, Arjun Bijlani wasted no time in shutting down the rumours. Taking to social media, the actor shared a strongly worded statement criticizing clickbait culture and the growing trend of turning genuine friendships into sensational headlines. He made it clear that his relationship with Mouni Roy is based on years of trust and friendship, not romance.
“Two people who’ve shared a friendship for 15+ years don’t suddenly become a couple because a gossip page needs a headline,” Arjun wrote. He added that people sometimes simply show up for their friends during difficult phases in life and that every interaction between a man and a woman should not be viewed through a romantic lens.
The actor also urged digital media platforms and gossip pages to be more responsible before publishing speculative stories. Stressing the importance of ethical reporting, he said that responsible journalism builds credibility, while clickbait headlines only spread misinformation.
Arjun’s statement struck a chord with many fans, who appreciated his calm yet firm response. Several social media users praised him for defending genuine friendships and speaking against the increasing tendency to create unnecessary controversies for online engagement.
The friendship between Arjun Bijlani and Mouni Roy goes back more than 15 years. The duo became one of television’s most loved on-screen pairs after starring together in Ektaa Kapoor’s hit supernatural drama Naagin in 2015, where they played Ritik and Shivanya. Their chemistry won audiences over, but off-screen they have consistently maintained that they are close friends.
According to Arjun, the recent dinner outing was simply about supporting a friend who has been going through a difficult personal phase. Mouni Roy had recently spoken publicly about her separation from businessman Suraj Nambiar and had requested privacy while dealing with the situation.
The rumours also prompted support from actress Krystle D’Souza, a close friend of both actors. She slammed the gossip surrounding the dinner outing by commenting on the paparazzi post, calling it “nonsense” and accusing such pages of posting misleading content solely to gain views.
The episode once again highlights the challenges celebrities face in maintaining personal relationships under constant public scrutiny. While casual outings between friends often become subjects of speculation, Arjun Bijlani’s response serves as a reminder that not every bond deserves to be sensationalized. His message has resonated with many, reinforcing the idea that friendship, compassion and support should not automatically be mistaken for romance.