MUMBAI – Just days after announcing their high-profile split, Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij are fighting a new battle against social media misinformation. On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Jay broke his silence to shut down viral rumors linking Mahhi to Nadim Nadz, emphasizing that their divorce is amicable and free of any “villain.”
The controversy erupted after Mahhi posted a heartfelt birthday tribute for Nadim, which trolls quickly misconstrued as a romantic reveal, leading to intense online harassment.
1. Jay Bhanushali: “Stop Creating a Villain”
Jay took to his Instagram Stories to address the narrative head-on. Responding to the speculation that an extramarital affair caused their 16-year marriage to fail, he was blunt:
- The Stance: Jay reshared Mahhi’s own post slamming the rumors, adding his own commentary: “Our statement mentioned there is no villain but still people want to create a villain in our story. STOP IT.”
- The Reality: Jay expressed frustration that the public is struggling to accept a peaceful separation without a scandalous “reason.”
2. Ankita Lokhande Defends “Father Figure” Nadim
Actor Ankita Lokhande, a close friend of the couple, issued a passionate defense to clarify the nature of their relationship with Nadim Nadz.
“Nadeem has always been a father figure to Mahi and Jai, and a father to Tara [their daughter]. That’s all there is to it… He is someone who has stood by people, including me, in difficult times.” — Ankita Lokhande
Jay corroborated this by resharing Ankita’s note, writing: “Thank you Ankita and I agree to everything you said.”
3. The End of a 16-Year Journey
The couple, who married in 2010 and have a daughter, Tara, as well as two foster children, shocked fans earlier this month with their joint separation announcement.
| Milestone | Detail |
| Relationship Length | 16 Years (Married in 2010) |
| Separation Date | January 2026 |
| Current Status | Co-parenting; amicable split |
| Core Values | “Peace, growth, kindness, and humanity” |
4. Mahhi Vij Hits Back at “Disgusting” Narrative
Mahhi herself didn’t hold back, calling the attempts to link her with a man she views as a mentor and elder “disgusting.” She urged the public to respect their privacy and the emotional well-being of their children during this transition.