Before Mrunal met Dhanush: Link-ups, dating history & past relationship rumors of the two

Bollywood thrives on stories, and not just the ones on screen. Every so often, a new pairing sets fans' imaginations racing, and currently, it’s South megastar Dhanush and pan-India sensation Mrunal Thakur who are drawing all the attention. From wrap parties to film premieres, Reddit playlists to fan theories, the whispers are getting louder: Is something brewing between these two talented stars?

But while their current appearances together are setting the grapevine abuzz, it’s not the first time either of them has found themselves in the middle of relationship speculation. Before Dhanush and Mrunal landed in headlines together, both had their fair share of rumored romances that kept fans and the media intrigued. As the spotlight now turns toward this potential new couple, let’s rewind and take a walk down memory lane to revisit their past link-ups, controversies, and relationships that once made waves.

Before making her mark in films like Sita Ramam and Love Sonia, Mrunal Thakur was a household name thanks to her TV stint on Kumkum Bhagya. But it was during her reality show days that her personal life came into the public eye.

Sharad Tripathi – Reality TV Love That Didn't Last

Back in 2015, Mrunal and writer Sharad Tripathi participated as a couple on Nach Baliye 7. They weren’t just dance partners, they were in a relationship, reportedly trying to convince their families about their bond. For fans, it was a sweet love story unfolding in real time. Unfortunately, the relationship didn’t last beyond the show. While they never got into the details, the breakup was mutual, and both moved on quietly.

Arjit Taneja – Friendly Fire or Something More?

After her exit from TV, Mrunal’s bond with her Kumkum Bhagya co-star Arjit Taneja became the next talking point. The two shared a great friendship and frequently popped up in each other’s social media stories, leaving fans guessing. Their chemistry on and off-screen gave rise to dating rumors, which both actors strongly denied. In fact, Arjit once admitted to having had a crush on Mrunal but clarified that they were now nothing more than good friends. Even today, their camaraderie is evident, but it’s strictly platonic, at least publicly.

Siddhant Chaturvedi – Hugs and Headlines

Fast forward to May 2024, and Mrunal was spotted exiting a Bandra eatery with Siddhant Chaturvedi. A hug, a helping hand on the stairs, and body language that had fans speculating, it all screamed “something’s up.” The fact that the two are reportedly starring together in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali project added more mystery to their equation. Neither of them has addressed the rumors, leaving room for fans to connect their own dots. The two also walked the ramp together showcasing their chemistry and making the gossip mills churn harder to get out some tea.

Badshah – Hand-in-Hand at a Diwali Bash

Another name that entered the chat was rapper Badshah. Last Diwali, a video of him leaving Shilpa Shetty’s party hand-in-hand with Mrunal went viral. Social media exploded, headlines followed, and rumors took off. But Badshah shut them down almost instantly with a cheeky Instagram Story: "Sorry to disappoint you again but jaisa aap soch rahe hain waisa nahi hai," followed by a laughing emoji. End of story? At least on record.

If Mrunal’s love life has kept fans guessing, Dhanush’s romantic chapters have been shrouded in even more mystery, peppered with rumors, controversy, and a high-profile separation.

Shruti Haasan – Chemistry That Set the Rumor Mills Rolling

Dhanush and Shruti Haasan delivered unforgettable performances in the 2012 film 3, directed by his now ex-wife Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth. The film’s emotional depth and their on-screen chemistry triggered rumors that spilled over into real life. Fans speculated that the duo’s closeness extended beyond their characters. But Shruti, in a candid interview with Filmfare, denied the rumors with grace and clarity. “Dhanush is an important friend,” she said. “When nobody believed in me for that role, he stood by me.” She credited him for having faith in her, firmly stating that it was a rare connect, but not a romantic one.

Amala Paul – In the Middle of a Storm

Another unexpected name linked to Dhanush was actress Amala Paul. The controversy came not from a rumored relationship, but from director Vijay’s father, who alleged that Dhanush played a role in the director’s divorce from Amala. Though Dhanush never addressed the claims, Amala did. In multiple interviews, she dismissed the rumors, calling her divorce a personal decision that had nothing to do with anyone else. She also clarified that Dhanush was merely a “well-wisher” and had nothing to do with her marital issues. Yet, gossip columns had a field day.

Trisha Krishnan – Engagement Drama and a Friendship Tested

One of the most persistent rumors tied to Dhanush was his alleged closeness with Trisha Krishnan. The two were often seen at parties and events together, and their friendship was widely noted. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Trisha’s then-fiancé Varun Manian reportedly objected to Dhanush’s presence at their engagement ceremony. The disagreement led to a visible rift, and soon after, the engagement was called off. While no official statement confirmed Dhanush's involvement, the timing and circumstances kept his name in the narrative.

Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth – Love, Marriage, and an Amicable Goodbye

Dhanush’s most public and significant relationship was, of course, with Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth, daughter of superstar Rajinikanth. Married in 2004, theirs was a union that blended cinematic royalty with rising talent. Over 18 years, they built a family, co-parented two sons, and often collaborated creatively, Aishwaryaa even directed him in 3, the film that brought “Why This Kolaveri Di” to the world. Despite their success together, they shocked fans in January 2022 by announcing a separation. Their joint statement emphasized mutual respect and the decision to grow as individuals. The divorce was finalized in November 2024, with both continuing to co-parent Yatra and Linga. While the separation marked the end of an era, they have remained civil and committed to family, a rare, dignified example of parting ways in the public eye.

Now, with all eyes back on Dhanush and Mrunal Thakur, the internet is piecing together a new potential romance. It all started subtly, Mrunal attending the wrap party of Dhanush’s Hindi film, Tere Ishq Mein. While it could’ve been a friendly gesture, it didn’t go unnoticed.

Then came the next big moment: Dhanush attending the premiere of Mrunal’s film, Son of Sardaar 2. His presence was unmissable and sparked a fresh round of dating speculation. Fans dug deeper and discovered a joint Spotify playlist reportedly shared by the two, a small, possibly innocent detail, but enough to send shippers into overdrive.

From Mumbai sightings to Reddit theories, the whispers are turning into full-blown curiosity. Are they just friends, or is something more blossoming between them? So far, neither party has commented, and that silence is only adding to the intrigue.

For now, Dhanush and Mrunal remain tight-lipped, letting speculation build. In an industry where relationships often bloom under the spotlight and sometimes wither under scrutiny, fans can’t help but play the guessing game. Both stars have had colorful histories filled with link-ups, genuine friendships, and a fair share of media frenzy, but this time, it feels different.

Whether this new connection is the beginning of a real-life romance or just another chapter in their friendship, only time will tell. Until then, fans, Redditors, and Bollywood watchers will be on high alert for any new clue, another appearance, a cryptic post, or maybe even an official confirmation.

But one thing’s for sure, the Dhanush-Mrunal equation has everyone's attention, and it doesn’t seem to be fading anytime soon.