Since his high-profile separation from Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth in 2022, actor Dhanush has maintained a low profile when it comes to his personal life. But now, the Tamil superstar has found himself at the center of a fresh wave of dating rumors, this time linked to none other than Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur.
Although the two actors have kept mum on the rumors, a series of recent public outings and candid moments have fueled gossip that the two are more than friends.
It All Began With a Birthday
The dating rumors began gaining momentum when Dhanush appeared at Mrunal Thakur’s birthday party on August 1. The party, attended by close friends and colleagues from the film industry, might have been an intimate affair, but videos and photos from the night found their way online quickly.
In perhaps the most shared video of the night, Mrunal leans in to whisper something in Dhanush’s ear. The two have a fleeting romantic moment and sweet smiles that fans could not help but dissect. The clip was captioned, “Dhanush and Mrunal Thakur dating?” and took off like wildfire, as it added fuel to fan gossip.
Social media response ranged from shock to curiosity. One user commented, “Unconfirmed, but there are some strong hints,” while another guessed, “I think they’re just good friends.” A more skeptical fan wrote, “Really? I can’t believe this.”
Dhanush Flies In for Son of Sardaar 2
Adding more fuel to the fire, Dhanush flew to Mumbai just days before the birthday bash to attend the special screening of Son of Sardaar 2, which stars Mrunal Thakur alongside Ajay Devgn. The screening was also held on August 1, making Dhanush’s presence at both events even more noticeable.
At the screening, the duo once again shared a light moment. A short video shows them having a brief conversation, with Mrunal once again leaning toward Dhanush in a manner that some interpreted as affectionate. While there was nothing overtly romantic, fans noted their comfort level with each other.
A Month of Subtle Clues
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time in recent weeks that the two were seen together. Back in July, Mrunal was also spotted at a private get-together hosted by writer-producer Kanika Dhillon. The event was held in celebration of Tere Ishk Mein, Dhanush’s upcoming film directed by Anand L. Rai and also starring Kriti Sanon.
Kanika shared a carousel of images from the event on Instagram on July 3, and the first photo featured Dhanush and Mrunal posing together, beaming at the camera. The caption read:
“Our hearts are full! Our OG Raanjhanaa is in the house—Dhanush, we love you! With friends old and new—big smiles, bigger hearts! Grateful for the memories.”
Though the caption didn’t hint at any personal connection between the two actors, fans were quick to draw their own conclusions. With three appearances in the span of a month, two of them being private, non-promotional gatherings, many believe it’s more than just coincidence.
Dhanush’s Life After Divorce
Dhanush was married to Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth, daughter of the legendary Rajinikanth, for 18 years. The actors, who got hitched in 2004 soon after the release of his hit movie Kadhal Kondaen, have two children together.
The couple surprised fans in early 2022 when they revealed that they were going their separate ways. In a statement, both of them requested privacy and respect as they decided to end the marriage on friendly terms. Dhanush has maintained a low profile regarding his personal life since the split, keeping his attention instead on acting work and future ventures.
Mrunal’s Ascension and Rumors
Meanwhile, Mrunal Thakur has been climbing steadily in Bollywood with robust performances in movies such as Sita Ramam, Toofan, and now Son of Sardaar 2. Her personal life has largely stayed out of the headlines until now.
Her appearance at Dhanush’s film party, followed by back-to-back interactions with the actor, has put her in the limelight for reasons beyond her on-screen performances.
So, are they dating?
At this point, neither Dhanush nor Mrunal has commented on their relationship status. Their interactions could very well be rooted in a growing friendship or possibly a professional collaboration we aren’t yet aware of. However, fans and media outlets continue to speculate, especially given how rarely Dhanush is seen attending Bollywood events or social functions outside his film circuit.
Whether this is the beginning of a new romance or simply two stars bonding over shared projects remains to be seen. But the internet is already rooting for the possibility of love blossoming between the two, and only time will tell if this rumor becomes reality.