Wait, WHAT? Did Raqesh Bapat just deny being in a relationship with Shamita Shetty?

Lovebirds of Bigg Boss OTT house Raqesh Bapat and Shamita Shetty are once again grabbing the eyeballs. Lately, rumour mills have been busy churning that the duo, who first met on the Karan Johar hosted reality show on Voot, are about to part ways. Multiple reports suggest that the reason for their possible split is that lately they've been arguing a lot. However, both Raqesh and Shamita had rubbished the rumours by posting a video of them together on the occasion of Holi, wishing everyone a Happy Holi. 

That certainly brought some solace to all the #ShaRa fans. However, while speaking in detail about their relationship to Hindustan Times in a recent interview, Raqesh mentioned that he wouldn't term their connection a 'relationship' and would rather call Shamita a "dear friend" of his. The popular TV actor was quoted as saying, "We are in a happy zone; she is a dear friend. Friendship has to be so strong that nothing else can affect it."

Further talking about Shamita, the ex Bigg Boss OTT contestant said that she's a pure soul and that he values the people who are honest. He mentioned that both of them have a lot of common interest and "it's interesting to have like-minded people."

On being prodded further about the current phase of their relationship, the actor shared that he wouldn't call it a relationship, but a bond. It's like two people caring for each other while enjoying the space with each other. "If you want to name it, it's a name game," he said, adding that Shamita is someone who he really respects. 

For those who're uninitiated, Raqesh and Shamita first met as fellow contestants on Bigg Boss OTT where they were teamed up together. Sparks flew between them on the show which turned into mutual admiration. Over the course of the show, the duo eventually fell in love. While Shamita then went on to participate in the Salman Khan hosted reality show Bigg Boss 15 where Raqesh too made an appearance for a brief period of time, before quitting the show mid way owing to his health condition. However, he continued to support Shamita very strongly from outside the BB15 house.