Hardik Pandya is one of the few quality fast-bowling all-rounders Indian cricket has produced in the 21st century. While Pandya’s controversial return to Mumbai Indians (MI) and taking over captaincy from Rohit Sharma led to widespread criticism, he is still one of the rare fast-bowling all-rounders who provides balance to the team in limited-overs cricket. However, his career has been marred by injuries. After leading the Gujarat Titans (GT) to a title win in their debut season, Pandya’s stocks went up and he was considered for the Indian team’s captaincy before he got injured during ODI World Cup 2023 and Rohit took over again.
In the last few years, Hardik has seen highs and lows, but in his personal life, he is settled. He tied the knot with Serbian model and actress Natasa Stankovic in 2020.
Natasa – a model and dancer
Natasa started her modelling journey in India in 2012. She made her Bollywood debut with a cameo in Ajay Devgn starred Satyagraha. She was also a part of The Big Boss in the 2014 edition from where she was evicted after 28 days. She mostly featured in "item songs" or supporting roles. She was a contestant in Nach Baliye's 2019 edition as well.
The 32-year-old stays away from controversies. She continues to do brand endorsements, and ad shoots. Her estimated net worth is approximately INR 20 crore. Her most popular appearance was in the music video named 'DJ Waley Babu' featuring rapped Badshah.
How Natasa met Hardik?
Natasa met Hardik at a mutual friend’s house party in 2018 where they got talking. In an interview, the Baroda all-rounder revealed how his unconventional attire caught Natasa's attention.
“I got her by talking. She saw someone in a hat at a place where I met her, wearing a hat, a chain, and a watch, at 1 am. So she thought ‘alag prakaar ka aadmi aaya’,” he recalled in an interview.
Hardik also revealed that Natasa had no idea Hardik played cricket. On January 1, 2020, Hardik popped the question on a boat.
“My parents also didn’t know that I was getting engaged. Two days before (the engagement), I told Krunal. I told him, ‘I have had enough. I have found someone in my life who I love, and I am becoming better. They (family) backed me and said ‘Do whatever you want,” he said.
They could not have a wedding ceremony due to the Covid-19 lockdown. The duo got married at a family function at home. On July 30, the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Agastya.
On February 14, 2023, Hardik and Natasa renewed their wedding in a lavish ceremony at Udaipur, Rajasthan.
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