Dalljiet Kaur’s personal life has been the subject of much discussion, especially after the sudden end of her second marriage to Kenya-based Nikhil Patel in 2024. The actress had tied the knot with Patel in 2023, but the relationship lasted only ten months. Before this, Dalljiet was married to actor Shalin Bhanot, with whom she shares a son, Jaydon. That marriage ended in 2015 following allegations of domestic violence. In a candid conversation, Dalljiet reflected on her past relationships, her struggles, and her journey of healing.
Looking back at her relationship with Shalin, Dalljiet recalled how their love story began. She said their time on Kul Vadhu and Nach Baliye brought them closer. Winning Nach Baliye made their relationship public, and marriage naturally followed soon after. However, Dalljiet admitted their whirlwind romance left little room for true understanding. She emphasised, “I was working on two shows when I met Shalin, so we would barely meet for an hour for coffee or something. The so-called dating was not like getting to know each other, but more like spending time together. We didn’t get the luxury of getting to spend a lot of time with each other.” She expressed regret over not having spent more time getting to know each other before committing.
The breakdown of her first marriage was devastating for Dalljiet. She admitted it took her years to accept the reality of the situation. For more than two years, she lived in denial, unable to process her divorce. During this period, Jaydon was just a baby, making it even harder for her to navigate the emotional turmoil. She described how even a casual flirtation from someone would offend her, as she still felt tied to her past. Eventually, she realized she needed to move forward, both for herself and for her son.
Dalljiet also shared how difficult it was to be a single mother for nearly a decade. She longed for a happy family life, a desire that kept her from entering another relationship for years. Her protective instincts for Jaydon were always her priority, and she wanted him to see what a “normal” family looked like. This led her to explore dating websites, searching for a partner who could bring stability to their lives.
Shalin, meanwhile, was intermittently present in Jaydon’s life. Although he wasn’t involved in decision-making or caregiving, he would occasionally meet his son. Dalljiet explained that she allowed these meetings for Jaydon’s benefit, believing it was healthy for him to see his father. However, she felt Shalin’s involvement was superficial, saying he wouldn’t even know his son’s age if asked today.
Jaydon’s longing for a father figure became evident as he grew older. Seeing other children with their dads during events or sleepovers deeply affected him. Dalljiet described how thrilled Jaydon was about her second marriage, hoping it would fill the void he felt. But the marriage’s abrupt end left her grappling with feelings of failure. She lamented, “It was a nightmare seeing Jaydon go through what he did. I protected him for 9 years. I took a decision back then to protect him, and then this happened. It felt like I failed. Jaydon didn’t deserve all of this; no child on this earth does.”
While Dalljiet focuses on rebuilding her life, her primary concern remains helping Jaydon navigate this challenging time. Despite the setbacks, she is determined to move forward. Meanwhile, Shalin is reportedly in a relationship with Bigg Boss 18 participant Eisha Singh, adding another layer to the complex narrative of their intertwined lives.