The dating whispers surrounding Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and singer Asha Bhosle’s granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle, have been shut down decisively. On Raksha Bandhan, Zanai tied a rakhi on Siraj’s wrist, calling him “like a brother” and leaving no room for romantic speculation.
The rumor mill had been churning since January, when the two were spotted chatting at Zanai’s 23rd birthday party. Casual photos and brief social media interactions fuelled online gossip, despite both of them previously referring to each other as “bhai” and “behen.” But the chatter persisted for months, occasionally flaring whenever they were seen together.
On August 9, 2025, the matter was put to rest in the most traditional—and symbolic—way possible. Dressed in a green salwar kameez, Zanai performed the Raksha Bandhan ritual, tying the sacred thread around Siraj’s wrist. In return, Siraj gave her a traditional gift envelope, and both smiled for photographs that quickly went viral. The cultural weight of the gesture left little doubt: theirs is a bond of sibling-like affection, not romance.
What made the moment even more telling was how they handled the public reaction. The pair posted pictures of the ceremony but disabled comments on their social media, cutting off any chance for rumor-fueled debate. It was a subtle yet firm statement: this is our relationship, and it’s not open for misinterpretation.
For Siraj, the timing was ideal. The fast bowler, a key figure in India’s cricket setup, has been focusing on his on-field performance and leadership responsibilities in the bowling attack. Distractions in the form of tabloid speculation were unnecessary noise. For Zanai, an emerging artist and soon-to-debut actress, the move helped reframe the narrative toward her career instead of personal life gossip.
Both come from high-profile worlds—Siraj in sports, Zanai in music and entertainment—where public curiosity is inevitable. In such spheres, personal and professional boundaries often blur, and even the most casual interactions can be blown out of proportion. Using a culturally significant event to clear the air was not just effective but also respectful, aligning with values that resonate widely.
Zanai is building her artistic path, having performed on AR Rahman’s Wondermen Tour and gearing up for her first major film role as Rani Sai Bhonsale. Siraj, meanwhile, continues to strengthen his position as one of India’s most reliable pacers, aiming to contribute in all formats and maintain his peak form.
The Raksha Bandhan moment was more than a festive tradition—it was a decisive public reset. By choosing a symbolic and heartfelt gesture over defensive words, both managed to put an end to speculation without creating fresh headlines for the wrong reasons.
The takeaway is clear: not every connection in the public eye is romantic. Sometimes, a brother-sister bond is exactly what it appears to be—and in this case, the message could not have been tied more firmly.