- Tuesday, March 18, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Shikhar Pahariya, rumored to be dating actress Janhvi Kapoor, recently hit back at a social media troll who made a casteist remark about him. The incident unfolded when Shikhar shared a series of heartwarming pictures from his Diwali celebrations last year, featuring his pet and Janhvi Kapoor. While many fans showered love on the post, one user left a comment that read, “Lekin tu toh Dalit hai (But, you’re a Dalit).”
Refusing to ignore the comment, Shikhar Pahariya responded with a strong message against caste discrimination. He took to his Instagram Story and shared a screenshot of the comment, writing, “It’s honestly pathetic that in 2025, there are still people like you with such a small, backward mindset.”
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Further addressing the issue, he added, “Diwali is a festival of light, progress, and unity—concepts that are clearly beyond your limited intellect. India’s strength has always been in its diversity and inclusivity, something you clearly fail to grasp. Maybe instead of spreading ignorance, you should focus on educating yourself, because right now, the only thing truly ‘untouchable’ here is your level of thinking.”
Shikhar’s powerful response quickly gained traction, with fans and followers appreciating his stand against discrimination. Many lauded his mature and dignified approach in tackling the unnecessary negativity.
For those unfamiliar, Shikhar Pahariya hails from a well-known political and business family. He is the grandson of former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. His mother, Smruti Shinde, is a well-known actress, while his elder brother, Veer Pahariya, recently made his Bollywood debut in Sky Force, starring Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, and Sara Ali Khan.
Despite being in the limelight, Shikhar has largely maintained a low profile and is known for his philanthropic work and business ventures.
Shikhar Pahariya and Janhvi Kapoor have been rumored to be dating for quite some time. While neither of them has officially confirmed their relationship, they are frequently spotted together at parties, movie screenings, and family gatherings. Their public appearances and social media interactions have only fueled speculations about their romance.
Shikhar also posted a heartfelt Diwali message alongside his celebratory pictures, writing, “Happy Diwali from us to you. May the arrival of Lord Ram bring a year of light and prosperity, may good reign over evil and may we have the strength and wisdom to always pick the path of righteousness. Blessed are those who have the ability to help, uplift, and protect those who need it.”
The message resonated with many and added a deeper meaning to the festival’s celebrations.
Shikhar Pahariya’s response to the casteist troll is a reminder that caste-based discrimination still exists despite India’s progress. His dignified yet firm reply sheds light on the importance of promoting inclusivity and respect in society. As social media continues to be a space for public discourse, voices like Shikhar’s play a crucial role in challenging outdated mindsets and advocating for a more progressive world.
