By Anil Merani: The news of Kushal Tandon’s breakup with Shivangi Joshi, announced just before the launch of “Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 4” on June 16, 2025, has sparked significant buzz, especially given the timing and speculation surrounding Harshad Chopda’s alleged involvement. It’s worth noting that blaming Harshad for the breakup is a stretch, as there is neither evidence nor fairness in holding him accountable for his co-stars’ personal lives. Below, I will address the breakup announcement, the accusations against Harshad, and the context of past criticism he faced over similar rumours involving Pranali Rathod and Aashay Mishra,
Kushal Tandon and Shivangi Joshi’s Breakup Announcement
Breaking News: On June 15, 2025, Kushal Tandon, known for “Barsatein-Mausam Pyaar Ka,” confirmed via an Instagram post that he and Shivangi Joshi, his rumored girlfriend and co-star in “Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 4,” had parted ways. The announcement, reported by outlets like TellyChakkar and Pinkvilla, cited “personal differences” and a mutual decision to remain friends. The timing, just before the show’s premiere, fueled speculation about its impact on their on-screen chemistry as Bhagyashree and Rishabh.
Public Reaction: Social media posts reflect a mix of shock and support, with fans praising Kushal’s candidness but expressing concern about the show’s promotion, given Shivangi’s lead role opposite Harshad Chopda. Some fans, as seen in comments on @tellytalkindia’s social media post, speculated about off-screen tensions, with a few pointing fingers at Harshad due to his close professional relationship with Shivangi.
Accusations Against Harshad Chopda
Claims of Involvement: A subset of social media users and tabloid articles, like a June 16, 2025, piece from BollywoodLife, suggested that Harshad’s “proximity” to Shivangi during rehearsals contributed to the breakup. These claims stem from viral behind-the-scenes videos showing Harshad and Shivangi’s playful banter, which some fans interpreted as flirtation. A hashtag, #HarshadShivangiChemistry, briefly trended, amplifying the rumors.
Why It’s a Stretch: As you rightly pointed out, blaming Harshad is unfounded and unfair. There is no credible evidence—such as statements from Kushal, Shivangi, or Harshad—that supports the claim that Harshad influenced their personal relationship. Professional chemistry between co-stars is typical in television, especially in romantic dramas, and doesn’t inherently imply personal interference. Kushal’s breakup post emphasized mutual respect, with no mention of third-party involvement. Harshad, known for maintaining a low-key personal life, has not commented, aligning with his approach to avoiding gossip.
Impact on Harshad: The accusations have led to online trolling, with some users labeling Harshad a “homewrecker,” reflecting past controversies. This unfair treatment risks overshadowing his performance in “Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 4,” where he is already under pressure to deliver a fresh take on his character, Rishabh. It is essential to acknowledge the unfairness of this situation and its potential impact on a professional’s work and personal life.
Past Criticism Involving Pranali Rathod and Aashay Mishra
Context: Harshad faced similar unwarranted criticism during his time on “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai” (2021-2023), where he played Dr. Abhimanyu opposite Pranali Rathod’s Akshara. Rumours surfaced that Pranali’s rumoured relationship with co-star Aashay Mishra (who played a supporting role) was strained due to Harshad’s on-screen chemistry with Pranali, dubbed #AbhiRa by fans. Social media posts from 2022, such as those under @yrkkh_fanclub, speculated that Harshad’s popularity overshadowed Aashay’s, causing friction.
Unfair Blame: There was no evidence linking Harshad to Pranali and Aashay’s dynamics. The rumours were fueled by fan wars and the intense #AbhiRa fandom, which projected on-screen romance onto real life. Pranali and Aashay’s relationship status remains unconfirmed, and Harshad has distanced himself from the gossip, focusing on his work. As you mentioned, the backlash was significant, with Harshad receiving hateful comments on Instagram, prompting him to limit public interactions temporarily.
Pattern of Misplaced Blame: The controversy surrounding “Yeh Rishta” mirrors the current situation, where Harshad’s professional rapport with co-stars is misconstrued as personal interference. This pattern reflects the television industry’s tendency to sensationalize co-star dynamics, especially for high-profile actors like Harshad, whose consistent lead roles draw intense scrutiny.
Broader Context and Fairness
Harshad’s Professionalism: At 42, Harshad has maintained a stellar career by focusing on his craft, as demonstrated by his award-winning roles in “Bepannaah” and “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.” His fitness and disciplined approach underscore his commitment to work over personal drama. Holding him accountable for the personal relationships of others is not only unfair but also detracts from his hard-earned professional achievements. As you mentioned earlier, fans expect Harshad to deliver a compelling performance in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 4. The breakup drama risks shifting focus from the show’s narrative, which explores modern relationships, to off-screen gossip, potentially affecting its early reception and the direction of the storyline.