'There were comments about her sexuality': Arjun Bijlani reacts to dating rumours with Mouni Roy

Arjun Bijlani and Mouni Roy. Pics via X

Actor Arjun Bijlani has addressed the chatter around him being romantically linked to close friend and former co-star Mouni Roy once again. The actor defended his Naagin co-star against the scrutiny that she has faced in recent months. He also pointed out how even Mouni's sexuality was questioned amid the rumours.

Arjun Bijlani on being linked to Mouni Roy

The dating rumours about Arjun and Mouni started after the two were seen at a dinner outing in Mumbai, after Mouni announced her separation from husband Suraj Nambiar. However, after the rumours surfaced, Arjun clarified that there is no romantic equation between them and they are just friends.

Now in an interview with Telly Talk India, Arjun defended Mouni, adding that he felt compelled to react to the rumours after people close to them spoke up. He even criticised the personal attacks towards Mouni, mentioning how her sexuality and lifestyle were also questioned.

He shared, "First, there were some comments about her sexuality, then someone said something about her drinking. I mean, everyone goes to parties. Everyone enjoys themselves. That's normal." The actor also added Mouni is currently navigating a difficult phase.

Further dismissing the link-up rumours, Arjun said that their recent outing was simply a casual gathering with friends. "If seven or eight people are going for dinner, it's not like we are going for the first time. We have gone out for dinner together 50 times. Mouni and I have also gone out for dinner and chilled together. So, I honestly don't know why someone wrote that," he said.

Arjun Bijlani on why he felt the need to speak up

Arjun also admitted that although he initially chose to ignore the dating reports, he changed his mind after seeing his close friends like actor Krystle D'Souza react. "I initially ignored it, but I think Krystle said, ‘What nonsense,' because she knows me. People who know us obviously commented on the post. So I felt that if my friends were speaking up and I didn't, it would be wrong," he shared.

Arjun also highlighted that their freindship goes a long way, and that they have worked and created content together for years. He also shared how the two even shared a laugh over the link-up rumours.

In a previously deleted Instagram note, Arjun had noted that it was disappointing to see a friendship of more than 15 years being given a romantic light, especially when a friend may simply be showing up for another friend during a difficult time. Arjun added the narrative around the dinner outing was false and unnecessary.