Splitsvilla 16: Who Is Sadhaaf Shankar?

The Persian Model Wins Hearts with Her Bold Introduction and Spiritual Connection; Explains the ‘Shankar’ Surname to Karan Kundrra

January 10, 2026: Ever since Splitsvilla 16 premiered on January 9, 2026, one contestant has been quietly stealing the spotlight — and it’s neither the seasoned favorites nor the loudest mischief-makers. Say hello to Sadhaaf Shankar, an Afghanistan-born model of Persian origin who has lived in India for the last decade and is fast becoming the season’s most intriguing face.

With her unapologetic confidence, striking presence, and unconventional backstory, Sadhaaf has sparked an immediate conversation among viewers and hosts alike.

Who Is Sadhaaf Shankar?

Sadhaaf Shankar is a model who was born in Afghanistan and currently resides in Mumbai. Having spent the past 10 years in India, she has embraced the local culture wholeheartedly, describing herself as “desi in spirit, filmy in vibe, and thodi si drama queen by birth.”

Her official Instagram handle, @sadhaafshankar, already boasts over 1.6 lakh followers. Her bio, “I’m famous, the world just doesn’t know it yet,” perfectly mirrors the confident on-screen persona she displayed during the grand premiere.

Why ‘Shankar’? Sadhaaf Explains Her Faith

In the very first episode, host Karan Kundrra posed a question that instantly went viral: why does she use the surname “Shankar” despite her Afghan roots and Muslim heritage?

Sadhaaf’s response was as direct as it was personal. She revealed that she is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and added “Shankar” to her name out of deep faith and belief. Backing her words, she has previously shared devotional posts expressing her spiritual connection to Mahadev, noting that she observes fasts out of inner calling rather than obligation. Her openness about her spiritual journey has resonated deeply with the audience, earning her praise for her inclusive mindset.

Her Bold Debut in ‘Pyaar Villa’

Described as “unapologetic, sassy, and impossible to ignore,” Sadhaaf entered the Pyaar Villa (Love Villa) as one of the top 8 female contestants. During her introduction, she shared her love for Indian culture, humorously mentioning her fondness for Rajma Chawal and “Indian men with cute skin tones.”

Unlike contestants who rely on loud drama, Sadhaaf has relied on her “killer looks” and a calm, intimidating stare that even the hosts, Karan Kundrra and Sunny Leone, found impressive.

Where To Watch Splitsvilla 16

This season, titled ‘Pyaar Ya Paisa’, features a massive twist with two separate villas—the Pyaar Villa and the Paisa Villa—and a total of 32 contestants.

• Tune in: New episodes air every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:00 PM.
• Platforms: Catch the action on MTV India or stream it online via JioHotstar.

With her unique blend of Persian beauty, Afghan roots, and Indian spirituality, Sadhaaf Shankar is shaping up to be the dark horse of Splitsvilla 16.