The year 2018 saw many Bollywood celebrities getting together with new people. From Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor to Arbaaz Khan and Giorgia Andriani, quite a number of celebrities found new meaning to their lives this year.
Here, we are listing out five such couples who grabbed headlines this past year.
Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor: It wouldn't be wrong to say that Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor have been the most talked about couple this year.
Ranbir confirmed his relationship with Alia in a GQ interview saying: “It’s really new right now, and I don’t want to over speak. It needs time to breathe and it needs space. As an actor, as a person, Alia is – what’s the right word? – flowing right now. When I see her work, when I see her act, even in life, what she gives is something that I’m aspiring to for myself. It’s new for us, so let it cook a bit.”
Alia also has the approval of Ranbir's parents. When asked about the new relationship, this is how Rishi Kapoor reacted: “Neetu likes her, I like her, Ranbir likes her. Get it?”
Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora: News of Malaika's romance with Arjun started doing the rounds shortly after she announced her separation from husband Arbaaz Khan. Although the duo has not talked about their romance, reports indicate that post her separation Malaika met Arjun at an event and the two have been in touch since then.
According to latest reports, they are all set to move into a plush apartment.
"Arjun and Malaika have together purchased a flat in a plush society near Lokhandwala Complex. It is their joint investment together. Whether they plan to live in or no is entirely up to them. But they are surely getting a space for themselves. Currently, the interiors of the house are being done and both Malaika and Arjun are looking into the details," a source told a leading entertainment portal.
Arbaaz Khan and Giorgia Andriani: Arbaaz and Giorgia met shortly after the actor called it quits with his wife Malaika in 2016.
Arbaaz and the Italian model are reportedly set to get hitched next year, according to a report in SpotBoyE.
A source told the portal, "Both families approve of the relationship and, as things stand today, the couple will wed in court next year. It will be an intimate affair and the families are yet to zero in on the date."
Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar: The duo has been dating for the past few months and Dandekar recently said in an interview she doesn't feel the need to hide who she's dating.
In an interview to Mid-day, the actress said: "We are public figures, so people are entitled to say what they want to. But I don't care about their opinion. I'm aware of who I am and I'm comfortable with who I choose to date.
"I am not secretive, but I don't feel the need to say things out loud. It's up to me to decide when and what I want to share about my personal life, and it is up to the audience to decide how they look at it. How much information I want to put out in the public domain is my prerogative," she said.
Harshvardhan recently confirmed his relationship with Kim to Hindustan Times, saying: “Of course I am in a relationship. There’s nothing to deny obviously, we are seen everywhere. We haven’t kept anything hidden till now. Since this is not work-related, I don’t know how to talk about it much, or what to discuss about it.”
Pankaj Dheer, famed for playing Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, dies after a battle with cancer.
Actor also appeared in films like Sanam Bewafa and TV shows including Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka.
Remembered for his cultural impact, with temples and statues dedicated to his portrayal of Karna.
Beloved for portraying karna
Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, celebrated for his role as the warrior Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away on 15 October 2025 at the age of 68. The news was confirmed by his friend and colleague Amit Behl as well as CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association), which issued a statement expressing profound grief.
According to sources, Dheer had been battling cancer for some time. Despite undergoing major surgery and fighting the disease, it relapsed a few months ago, leaving him extremely unwell. His cremation was held on the same day at Vile Parle (W), Mumbai.
A versatile career in film and television
Beyond Mahabharat, Dheer appeared in films such as Sanam Bewafa and Baadshah, and TV shows including Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka. He also worked as a director, helming the film My Father Godfather, and founded the Abhinay Acting Academy, mentoring aspiring actors.
Dheer’s portrayal of Karna left a lasting impression on audiences, making him one of Indian television’s most recognisable figures from the 1980s.
Cultural legacy and devotion
In interviews, Dheer spoke about the enduring popularity of his character, noting that statues and temples were built in his name. He revealed that he is worshipped in two Karna Mandirs, one in Karnal and another in Bastar, where an eight-foot statue honours his character.
He reflected: “People have loved me and adored me over the years. Even in the history books of schools, if they have a reference to Karna, they have my picture there. So, as long as these books are printed, I will always be their reference as Karna.”
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife Anita Dheer and son, actor Nikitin Dheer. His work continues to influence Indian television and the cultural memory of the Mahabharat epic.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.