July 1, 2025 | Mumbai, India

Bollywood actress Triptii Dimri, often referred to as India’s “national crush” following her breakout role in Animal (2023), has been the subject of intense speculation regarding her personal life, particularly her rumored relationship with model-turned-hotelier Sam Merchant. Recent social media activity and public sightings have fueled curiosity about whether the Bulbbul star has officially confirmed her relationship with Merchant. This article dives into the latest developments, examines the evidence, and provides clarity on Triptii Dimri’s relationship status as of July 2025, while addressing her past rumored romance with producer Karnesh Ssharma.

Background: Triptii Dimri’s Rise to Fame

Triptii Dimri, born February 23, 1994, in Uttarakhand, has emerged as one of Bollywood’s most promising talents. After debuting in Poster Boys (2017) and gaining critical acclaim for her lead role in Laila Majnu (2018), she achieved widespread recognition with Anvita Dutt’s Bulbbul (2020), earning a Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actress. Her roles in Qala (2022) and Animal (2023) solidified her status, with the latter earning her a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actress. In 2024, she starred in Bad Newz, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, further cementing her commercial appeal. With a net worth estimated at ₹20-30 crore and upcoming projects like Arjun Ustara and Dhadak 2, Dimri’s professional success has been matched by public fascination with her personal life.

The Sam Merchant Rumors: What Sparked the Speculation?

Rumors of a romantic relationship between Triptii Dimri and Sam Merchant, a former model and Goa-based hotelier, began circulating in 2023 after the two were spotted together at events and shared social media posts hinting at a close bond. Key moments fueling speculation include:

• Wedding Appearance (2023): Photos of Triptii and Sam attending a wedding together went viral, prompting media outlets like Outlook India to report on their rumored romance. Their casual yet coordinated appearance sparked chatter about a deeper connection.
• Social Media Interactions: In 2024, Triptii and Sam exchanged affectionate posts. For instance, Triptii shared a photo of herself at Merchant’s Casa Waters resort in Goa, tagging him and the property, while Sam reposted a video of her giving a virtual tour of the resort, captioned “The face of peace.”
• Birthday Celebrations (February 2025): On Triptii’s 31st birthday, Sam posted a heartfelt video of her cutting a cake, calling her “the best soul” and wishing her “happiness always.” Triptii reciprocated by sharing a selfie with Sam, captioned “Birthday girl,” further intensifying rumors.
• Vacation Photos (July 2025): Recent posts from a Goa vacation, including Triptii in a pink monokini by the pool at Casa Waters and Sam’s reposts, have kept the rumor mill active. These interactions, reported by News18, suggest a strong personal connection.

Merchant, a 2002 Gladrags Manhunt winner, transitioned from modeling to owning beach clubs and hotels in Goa. His social media presence, followed by celebrities like Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani, adds to his visibility, making his interactions with Triptii a focal point for fans and media.

Has Triptii Dimri Confirmed the Relationship?

Despite the buzz, Triptii Dimri has not explicitly confirmed her relationship with Sam Merchant in a public statement or interview as of July 1, 2025. Her approach to her personal life remains private, consistent with her past handling of romantic rumors. However, several factors suggest a romantic involvement without an official confirmation:

• Social Media Evidence: The frequency and warmth of Triptii and Sam’s Instagram interactions, such as mutual reposts and affectionate captions, imply a close relationship. For example, Sam’s birthday post for Triptii and her reciprocation with a selfie are seen as subtle affirmations.
• Public Sightings: Their joint appearances, like shopping in Mumbai in March 2024, where they were photographed smiling and posing for paparazzi, indicate comfort with public association.
• Media Reports: Outlets like Times Now and The Times of India have reported that while Triptii and Sam haven’t confirmed their relationship, “their gestures say it all,” citing their frequent vacations and social media activity.

In contrast, Triptii’s earlier rumored relationship with Karnesh Ssharma, brother of actress Anushka Sharma, saw a near-confirmation in 2022 when she told ETimes, “The ship has already sailed,” in response to dating questions. That relationship, linked to their professional collaboration on Bulbbul and Qala, ended quietly by late 2022, with both unfollowing each other on Instagram and Triptii posting a cryptic message about doing what brings joy.

Triptii’s Stance on Privacy

Triptii Dimri has consistently emphasized maintaining privacy in her personal life. In interviews, she has expressed the importance of separating her professional and personal spheres, focusing on her craft rather than fueling gossip. For instance, in a 2024 conversation with The Times of India, she discussed coping with fame by relying on meditation, journaling, and family support, avoiding direct comments on her relationships. Her dignified approach was noted by Flooring Tile World, which praised her for keeping her love life private despite intense scrutiny.

This reticence aligns with her handling of past rumors with Karnesh Ssharma, where she neither fully confirmed nor denied the relationship until her cryptic 2022 statement. Similarly, with Sam Merchant, Triptii’s actions—such as sharing vacation photos or birthday posts—suggest a relationship, but her lack of explicit confirmation keeps speculation alive.

Past Relationship with Karnesh Ssharma

Triptii’s rumored romance with Karnesh Ssharma, producer at Clean Slate Filmz, garnered significant attention due to their professional and personal overlap. They collaborated on Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022), with Karnesh mentoring Triptii’s early career. In December 2022, Triptii shared a photo of Karnesh kissing her cheek, prompting BollywoodShaadis to report she had made the relationship “Instagram official.” However, by late 2022, signs of a breakup emerged when they unfollowed each other on Instagram, and Triptii’s cryptic post about ignoring naysayers fueled speculation.

A Reddit thread on BollyBlindsNGossip noted a fallout with Karnesh, director Anvita Dutt, and writer Varun Grover post-Qala, suggesting professional and personal tensions, as none sent Triptii birthday wishes in 2023 or followed her on social media. The breakup, reported by Outlook India and others, remains unaddressed by Triptii or Karnesh, with no public explanation provided.

Current Status and Public Perception

As of July 1, 2025, Triptii Dimri and Sam Merchant’s interactions, particularly their recent Goa vacation posts, strongly suggest a romantic relationship, though no direct confirmation exists. Fans on platforms like X have celebrated their chemistry, with some calling them “Bollywood’s cutest couple,” while others remain skeptical, citing Triptii’s private nature. Media outlets like Indian Express and News18 have leaned into the narrative, framing their posts as near-confirmations.

Triptii’s focus remains on her career, with upcoming films like Arjun Ustara opposite Shahid Kapoor and Dhadak 2 with Siddhant Chaturvedi, set for release in 2025. Her ability to navigate personal scrutiny while delivering acclaimed performances—praised by critics like Hansal Mehta for her “compelling presence”—underscores her resilience.

What Should Fans Expect?

While Triptii Dimri has not confirmed her relationship with Sam Merchant, the cumulative evidence—public appearances, social media posts, and media reports—suggests they are dating. Her history of privacy indicates she may continue to let actions speak louder than words, avoiding explicit statements. Fans should watch for further Instagram interactions or joint appearances, which could provide additional clues. For now, Triptii remains focused on her craft, balancing her rising stardom with a personal life that keeps Bollywood’s gossip mills buzzing.