Social media has been buzzing with speculation, curiosity, and a fair bit of confusion after internet star Faisal Shaikh—better known as Mr. Faisu—was seen celebrating the birthday of journalist-turned-influencer Shefali Bagga in a way that has everyone asking: Are they dating?

It all started with a few pictures and videos outside a Mumbai restaurant. Shefali, dressed stunningly in red and holding a red rose, stood outside the venue, and that alone was enough to spark whispers. But then came the kicker: paparazzi spotted Faisu by her side. Together. Smiling. Laughing.

Naturally, the internet caught fire.

Was this just a friendly dinner or something more? When a paparazzo cheekily asked Shefali if the rose in her hand came from Faisu, she didn’t confirm or deny. She just smiled—and that silence said a thousand words. Or at least, that’s how fans are reading it.

Then came the video that really turned up the volume on the rumor mill.

On July 1st, Shefali’s birthday, a clip surfaced online showing her and Faisu celebrating together. And not just any casual get-together. In the video, the two are seen cutting the birthday cake together, with Shefali holding Faisu’s hand through the entire moment. They even fed each other cake before Shefali turned to offer it to others present.

Sweet? Definitely.

Romantic? Possibly.

Publicity stunt? Could be.

Here’s where things get interesting. Faisu, known for his massive digital following and string of viral music videos, is no stranger to being linked with various co-stars. His last high-profile connection was with Jannat Zubair, with whom he shared undeniable on-screen chemistry and off-screen closeness. When their rumored relationship came to an unspoken end, fans moved on, but clearly, they haven’t stopped playing detective.

Now, the Shefali-Faisu buzz is everywhere. And many are speculating this might be less about love and more about likes. Some industry insiders believe this “new couple” might be teasing their audience for a purpose—perhaps for an upcoming music video. If true, it wouldn’t be the first time stars stirred dating rumors to build hype.

Still, that hasn’t stopped fans from wondering: could there really be something brewing here?

But before we jump to conclusions, let’s consider another angle—one that may poke holes in the romance theory. Faisu has publicly stated in past interviews that his mother is very involved in his marriage plans. According to him, his ideal life partner would be someone who respects traditional values and practices, specifically those aligned with Islam. Meanwhile, Shefali Bagga has always been vocal, modern, and unapologetically urban in her lifestyle and views—qualities that, while admirable, may not align with what Faisu’s family is reportedly looking for in a future daughter-in-law.

So what gives?

Are they dating against the odds, or are they simply capitalizing on their chemistry to stir public interest?

Regardless of the truth, the timing, visuals, and chemistry have created a perfect storm for speculation. From candid moments outside restaurants to cozy cake-cutting clips, it’s hard not to get swept up in the curiosity of it all.

It’s also a reflection of how deeply invested fans have become in the personal lives of influencers and celebrities. Today, a rose and a shared dessert can lead to viral headlines, emotional fan reactions, and trending hashtags. It’s the nature of celebrity in the digital age—where every move is recorded, analyzed, and often over-interpreted.

Still, whether this is the start of a real-life romance or just the prelude to a viral music video, one thing is certain: Shefali Bagga and Mr. Faisu know exactly how to keep people talking.

In the end, maybe that’s the point.

Until there’s an official statement—or another telling video drops—we’ll all just have to wait and watch.

But if this is the build-up to a new romantic track or onscreen collaboration, one thing’s for sure: it’s working. The internet is hooked.