Television actor Arjun Bijlani has strongly denied rumours linking him romantically with longtime friend and actor Mouni Roy, criticising gossip pages for creating what he described as “baseless” narratives to generate clicks. The actor issued a detailed statement after a paparazzi video of the two stepping out of a restaurant in Mumbai fuelled speculation about their relationship.
The rumours surfaced after Mouni Roy and Arjun Bijlani were spotted together following a dinner outing in Mumbai. Several entertainment pages and social media accounts claimed the two actors were dating, prompting widespread discussion online. The speculation gathered momentum despite neither actor making any public statement about their relationship.
Responding to the reports, Arjun shared an official statement dismissing the claims. He said that two people who have shared a friendship for more than 15 years do not suddenly become a couple because a gossip page wants a headline.
“Dear clickbait pages, 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 often support each other through difficult phases in life and such gestures should not automatically be interpreted as romance.
The actor further stressed that genuine friendships between a man and a woman should not be sensationalised for engagement on social media. He said, “Sometimes, people simply show up for each other, especially when a friend is going through a difficult time. Not every friendship needs a romantic angle for views.” He also urged entertainment pages to verify information before publishing stories.
Arjun also expressed disappointment over what he called misleading reporting. He stated that it was unfortunate to see completely baseless stories being circulated in the name of entertainment and said not every interaction between a man and a woman deserves to be turned into a false narrative.
Concluding his statement, the actor appealed for responsible reporting, saying, “We request media pages to verify facts before spreading misleading stories that unnecessarily invade people’s personal lives and create confusion. Responsible journalism builds credibility. Clickbait doesn’t.”
The statement comes just a day after Mouni Roy herself made headlines for confronting paparazzi outside the same restaurant. A viral video showed the actor repeatedly asking photographers to stop filming her after she had entered her car. Visibly upset, Mouni was heard saying “Band karo” several times while asking the photographers to stop recording. The incident sparked discussions online about celebrity privacy and the boundaries of paparazzi coverage.
Actor Krystle D’Souza also reacted to the dating rumours, criticising the gossip pages that linked Arjun and Mouni. Commenting on one of the viral posts, she wrote, “What is this nonsense. Just for views you guys will post anything,” echoing Arjun’s criticism of unverified reports. Her response received support from fans, many of whom argued that long-standing friendships should not be portrayed as romantic relationships without evidence.
Arjun Bijlani and Mouni Roy have known each other for more than a decade and have worked together on several projects, including the popular supernatural television series Naagin. Over the years, the two actors have often been seen supporting each other at professional events and personal milestones, while frequently interacting on social media. Their friendship has remained visible to fans throughout their careers.
With Arjun now issuing a categorical denial, the actor has sought to put an end to the speculation surrounding his equation with Mouni Roy. His statement has shifted the focus from the rumours themselves to the responsibility of entertainment portals and social media pages in verifying information before publishing stories that affect the personal lives of public figures.