'Splitsvilla 16' Fame Afghan Model Says Lord Shiva Is Her 'First Love'

Mumbai: A contestant on the new season of the dating reality show 'Splitsvilla' is turning heads, not just for her looks or confidence but for her love and devotion for Lord Shiva.

Who is Sadhaaf Shankar?

Sadhaaf Shankar, a model originally from Afghanistan, is grabbing attention for her public expression of faith in Lord Shiva. The reality show 'Splitsvilla 16' premiered on January 9, and Sadhaaf emerged as one of the most talked-about participants early on.

Why Is Her Appearance Becoming So Talked About?

Sadhaaf has openly spoken about her devotion to Lord Shiva, calling him her "first love" and saying she observes fasts and performs puja out of personal belief.

Her comments came into the spotlight when host Karan Kundrra asked her about her name. Though born Muslim in Afghanistan, Sadhaaf told the camera she added "Shankar" to her name as a reflection of her spiritual connection with Shiva.

The model shared posts on her social media showing her faith and fasting and clarified that her choices are driven by affection and personal conviction, not by pressure from anyone else.

How Is the Audience Reacting?

Viewers are buzzing online about Sadhaaf’s carefree attitude and outspoken personality. Clips from episodes where she talks about her devotion have circulated widely on social platforms.

Some fans appreciate her confidence and openness about spirituality, while others are simply intrigued by a foreign-born contestant blending her reality-TV journey with expressions of faith.

Her background adds another layer to her story. Sadhaaf has lived in India for over a decade and says she feels deeply connected to the country and its culture. She has also mentioned wanting to find a life partner in India, a detail that has added to public interest in her journey on the show.

What Happens Next on the Show?

'Splitsvilla 16' airs new episodes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on MTV India and streams on Jio Hotstar. With its mix of romance, competition, and personality clashes, the season continues to draw viewers, and Sadhaaf’s unusual blend of spirituality and reality-TV flair seems set to keep her in the spotlight.

The show is based on the theme Pyaar vs Paisa'. While half the contestants are in the Pyaar villa, others are currently in the Paisa villa.