New Delhi, July 2, 2026: The relentless spotlight on the personal lives of Bollywood celebrities often shifts from their cinematic achievements to their personal milestones. For National Award-winning actor Kriti Sanon, the public and media fascination with her relationship status has peaked following the wedding of her younger sister, Nupur Sanon, to musician Stebin Ben in January 2026. This milestone has naturally triggered a barrage of questions regarding Kriti’s own marriage timeline. Stebin Ben has spoken out in defense of his sister-in-law, firmly asserting that she deserves the absolute freedom to decide her future without societal or familial pressure.
Speaking in a candid interview with Galatta India, Stebin Ben addressed the constant marriage speculation surrounding Kriti, especially amid ongoing dating rumors involving London-based businessman Kabir Bahia. Stebin emphasized that there should be no arbitrary timeline or age limit attached to such a monumental life decision, questioning why anyone should feel rushed into making it.
The Burden of “Who’s Next?”
It is a common societal narrative, particularly in India, that when a younger sibling marries, attention immediately pivots to the unmarried older sibling. Stebin acknowledged this pattern but revealed that he deliberately avoids subjecting Kriti to it.
The singer went on to praise Kriti’s self-made journey, highlighting how far she has come through sheer determination and merit.
“She’s doing exceptionally well in her career. A girl coming from a small town and building such a big identity for herself on her own is a huge achievement,” he noted, underlining that her focus and professional success should be celebrated rather than overshadowed by societal expectations.
Dismantling the Timeline
Stebin’s perspective challenges the traditional benchmarks that dictate when an individual, particularly a woman in the entertainment industry, should settle down. He strongly advocated for emotional readiness over external pressure.
“I think she should get her own time and freedom,” Stebin stated. “When Kriti feels that she has found the right person and believes it’s the right time for marriage, she will take that decision. There is absolutely no need to rush.”
Dating Rumors and Navigating the Rumor Mill
The intense scrutiny on Kriti’s personal life isn’t happening in a vacuum. Rumors linking her to Kabir Bahia, a prominent UK-based entrepreneur, have circulated since mid-2024. While the pair has maintained a private approach, they have frequently been spotted together at high-profile social events, intimate family gatherings, and international vacations—including an getaway to Greece for her birthday. Kabir was also a notable guest at Nupur and Stebin’s intimate wedding festivities in Udaipur, further fueling speculation about his standing within the inner family circle.
The narrative surrounding the low-profile couple took a chaotic turn recently when an unverified photograph surfaced on Reddit, showing Kabir in the company of another woman. The image rapidly went viral, triggering intense speculation across social media platforms that the couple had quietly called it quits.
However, sources close to the businessman quickly dismantled the narrative. Clarifying the situation to The Times of India, an insider stated:
“The image being circulated online of Kabir with a girl has been completely misconstrued. She’s his family friend whom he considers like a sister. It’s unfortunate how quickly people jump to conclusions and spread false narratives.”
Kriti herself seemed to subtly put the breakup rumors to rest. In a recent “June recap” post on her Instagram account, she shared a series of candid moments, which intentionally included a cozy, unseen photo featuring Kabir Bahia. This quiet gesture served as a powerful counter-narrative to the internet’s speculative frenzy, reassuring fans that their bond remains intact.
Shaking Off the “Chachi Ji” Questions
Stebin’s supportive stance aligns perfectly with Kriti’s own outspoken attitude regarding the media’s obsession with her marital status. At the Times Now Summit in Delhi, Kriti was caught off guard when an interviewer asked when fans could expect a grand wedding celebration similar to her sister’s.
Visibly annoyed by the predictable line of questioning, Kriti shut down the banter with sharp wit, asking the host:
“Are you this chachi ji (aunt) asking when I’m getting married? Come on, there’s so much more to life than just marriage.”
She later added, “I don’t know. I will marry whenever I feel it’s the right time. I don’t believe I’m in a rush.”
Kriti has consistently chosen to draw a strict boundary between her public persona and her private affairs. When pressed directly about her relationship status and the presence of her “special friend” at family events, she maintained an elusive yet firm stance:
“I won’t accept or deny anything. I prefer discussing such matters only after marriage; some parts of life should remain private.”
A Grounded Star with No Limits
Beyond addressing the gossip, Stebin spoke with deep admiration for Kriti’s artistic evolution and humility. He noted a deep personal connection to her journey, seeing reflections of his own path as an artist who built a career from scratch.
“When I look at Kriti, I relate a lot to my own journey,” Stebin expressed. “Somewhere that’s why I connect with her so much. She came into the industry, worked hard, moved ahead on her own, and earned her stardom entirely through her own efforts.”
Despite reaching the upper echelons of Bollywood—most recently earning widespread critical acclaim for her performance in Cocktail 2 alongside Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna—Kriti has managed to stay fiercely connected to her roots. “Today she has become such a big star, but she’s still connected to her parents and remains grounded. Everything about her is the best,” Stebin added.
Looking forward, the singer believes Kriti’s trajectory is limitless. With a packed slate of upcoming cinematic projects, her career remains the primary focus. “I think her future is very bright. She is going to go much further. Over the years, she has become a better actor, and people can see that. Her fandom is growing, people are giving her more love, and I’m very sure she will do wonders. I’m super proud of her.”
Ultimately, Stebin Ben’s defense of Kriti Sanon highlights a vital shift in perspective within modern Bollywood families. By choosing to champion her agency, career, and personal peace over arbitrary timelines, her inner circle is making it clear that Kriti will continue to live life entirely on her own terms.