Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has got engaged to television actress Natasa Stankovic. The couple announced their relationship on social media on New Year’s Day, posting images and video of the hard-hitting batsman proposing to the former Big Boss contestant on a yacht.
“Mai tera, tu meri, jaane saara Hindustan (I'm yours, you are mine, the whole of India knows this). 01.01.2020 #Engaged,” Pandya wrote as he shared a photo on Instagram with Stankovic flaunting the engagement ring.
A video of the proposal showed Hardik going down on one knee to propose her.
“Will you marry me,” he asked.
“Yes, of course,” she replied.
The couple then sealed the deal with a kiss before the cricketer slid the ring on the actress’ finger while a live orchestra played on the yacht.
The news came as a surprise to many, including Pandya’s teammates.
“Congratulations HP. What a pleasant surprise. Wish you guys great times ahead. God bless,” commented Virat Kohli on the couple’s engagement photo.
Even though Pandya’s association with the Serbian actress wasn’t a secret, Stankovic referred to him as her “best friend” until October when she posted her photo with the cricketer on social media to wish him a happy birthday.
“To my best friend, the strongest and the most beautiful soul. This year has been a roller coaster ride for you. Many great things happen and some were not that great but definitely have made you stronger. You have been such an inspiration for all of us and I couldn’t be more proud of you for everything you have done for yourself and people around you,” she wrote.
Mumbai-based Natasa Stankovic has worked in several Hindi movies since making her Bollywood debut in Satyagraha. However, she became a household name after appearing on reality television show Big Boss -8.
Pandya will resume cricket when he travels to New Zealand later this month with the India A squad. He has been recovering from a lower back injury that kept him away from the game since September 2019.
