2026: A Year Marked by Celebrity Breakups Across Industries
A Year of High-Profile Breakups
2026: A year of celebrity splits
This year has seen a surge in celebrity breakups, with relationships ending swiftly across Bollywood, Punjabi cinema, Indian television, and Hollywood. Recently, rapper Badshah announced his separation from actress Isha Rikhi, just five months after their marriage was made public. In a joint Instagram statement, he expressed, "I and Isha Rikhi have mutually decided to part ways and move forward on our separate paths. This decision has been made with mutual respect." The couple had a private wedding in March, which was only confirmed after photos surfaced online. Tensions became apparent in July when Isha shared a heartfelt post about feeling overwhelmed by her husband's influence and resources. This marks Badshah's second marriage; he was previously divorced in 2020.
Bollywood and Punjabi Cinema's Busy Year
Actress Mouni Roy and her husband Suraj Nambiar also announced their split in May after four years of marriage, citing "evolving personal priorities." Suraj later clarified that there were no disputes over alimony or third parties involved.
Suraj Nambiar and Mouni Roy
In January, Punjabi actress Mandy Takhar finalized a mutual divorce from gym trainer Shekhar Kaushal, just two years after their Hindu-Sikh wedding.
Shekhar Kaushal and Mandy Takhar
Actress Hansika Motwani and businessman Sohael Khaturiya also ended their marriage in the Bandra Family Court, citing an "irretrievable breakdown" after reportedly living apart since mid-2024.
Hansika Motwani and Sohael Khaturiya
Television's Notable Breakups
In January, popular television couple Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij confirmed their separation after 14 years together, emphasizing that there was no negativity surrounding their decision, especially for the sake of their three children.
Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij
Tanvi Thakkar and Aditya Kapadia also parted ways in July after five years of marriage, describing their decision as emotional yet mutual.
Hollywood's Share of Breakups
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater, who met while filming Wicked, ended their relationship by June after nearly three years, although the split reportedly occurred months earlier. Megan Thee Stallion also broke up with NBA star Klay Thompson in April, citing that "trust, fidelity, and respect are non-negotiable." Additionally, WNBA star Sue Bird and soccer player Megan Rapinoe announced the end of their nearly decade-long relationship in April, along with the retirement of their joint podcast.
Clarifying Rumors
Not all breakup rumors have proven true. Thalapathy Vijay's wife retracted her divorce petition in August after several months of legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Punjabi singer Parmish Verma has sparked fresh speculation following a cozy Instagram photo with actress Harman Brar, his co-star from the music video Dekhi Ja. However, neither party has confirmed any claims regarding Verma's divorce from his wife Guneet Grewal or a new relationship.
Sangeetha Sornalingam and Thalapathy Vijay