Who is Shikhar Pahariya: Entrepreneur, Polo Player, and Public Figure

Shikhar Pahariya is a prominent Indian entrepreneur, professional polo player, and philanthropist, widely recognized for his business ventures, sportsmanship, and rumored relationship with Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor. Born into a family with deep political and business roots, Shikhar has carved a niche for himself through his diverse pursuits and commitment to social causes. This article explores his early life, education, career, personal interests, and public persona.

Early Life and Family Background

Shikhar Pahariya was born on March 29, 1996, in New Delhi, India, and raised in Mumbai. He hails from a well-connected family with significant influence in both political and business spheres. His maternal grandfather, Sushil Kumar Shinde, is a veteran politician who served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Union Home Minister of India. Shikhar’s father, Sanjay Pahariya, is a renowned businessman, while his mother, Smruti Sanjay Pahariya, is a media entrepreneur and the managing director of Sobo Films. His parents married in 1993 but divorced in 2008, after which Shikhar was primarily raised by his mother. He has an elder brother, Veer Pahariya, who is an entrepreneur, musician, and aspiring actor set to debut in the film Sky Force.

Shikhar grew up in a privileged environment, attending prestigious schools in Mumbai, including Bombay Scottish School and Dhirubhai Ambani International School. His early exposure to sports, particularly polo and horse riding, shaped his passion for equestrian activities.

Education

Shikhar pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Global Financial Management from Regent’s University in London, equipping him with the skills to navigate the world of finance and business. His international education broadened his perspective and laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures.

Career and Entrepreneurial Ventures

Shikhar displayed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. At just 13, he founded a consultancy firm to guide new pet owners, reflecting his love for animals. After completing his education, he began his professional career as an investment analyst at Wadhawan Global Capital, a London-based multinational conglomerate. He later worked for Andromeda Financial Technology Services in India.

In 2018, Shikhar co-founded Indiawyn, an entertainment and gaming company, with his brother Veer. This venture showcased his ability to blend financial acumen with innovative business ideas. Currently, he is also involved in his father’s business, aiming to expand its reach and influence. Additionally, Shikhar serves as a director at VESH Labs Private Limited and Basilius International LLP, as registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Beyond business, Shikhar is a professional polo player and showjumper. In 2013, he represented India as a member of the Royal Jaipur Polo Team at the Berkshire Polo Club in London, earning recognition for his skills on the field. His passion for polo and horse riding remains a significant part of his identity.

Philanthropy and Social Causes

Shikhar is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting causes such as women’s empowerment and education for underprivileged children in rural Maharashtra. Through his family’s foundation, he has contributed to various charitable initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to social progress. His advocacy for inclusivity was evident in 2025 when he publicly responded to a casteist troll on social media, emphasizing India’s diversity and unity.

Personal Life and Relationships

Shikhar’s rumored relationship with Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has garnered significant media attention. The two reportedly began dating in 2016, but their relationship faced challenges, including a temporary breakup attributed to Janhvi’s mother, Sridevi, imposing a “no dating clause” to focus on her career. However, they reconciled, and their bond has since been confirmed through public appearances, social media interactions, and statements from Janhvi’s father, Boney Kapoor, who expressed fondness for Shikhar.

The couple has been spotted together at various events, including temple visits, movie screenings, and Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding in 2024. Janhvi’s appearance at the Maidaan screening in April 2024, wearing a necklace with Shikhar’s nickname “Shiku,” further solidified their relationship in the public eye. Shikhar is also known to be close friends with Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, and Alaviaa Jaaferi, daughter of actor Javed Jaffrey.

Personal Interests

An avid animal lover, Shikhar owns a pet dog named Charlie, a cat named Pablo, and several horses. He enjoys traveling, gymming, and playing video games such as Forza Horizon 4, Call of Duty, and Grand Theft Auto. His luxurious lifestyle is reflected in his car collection, which includes a Lamborghini Aventador, and his estimated net worth of approximately INR 84 crores (USD 10 million).

Social Media Presence

Shikhar maintains a relatively low-key presence on social media, despite his significant following. His Instagram account, with over 400,000 followers, features only a handful of posts, showcasing his selective engagement with the platform.

Personal Information	Details
Full Name	Shikhar Pahariya
Date of Birth	March 29, 1996
Age (as of 2025)	30 years
Zodiac Sign	Aries
Birthplace	New Delhi, India
Hometown	Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality	Indian
Education	Bachelor’s in Global Financial Management, Regent’s University, London
Occupation	Entrepreneur, Polo Player, Philanthropist
Net Worth	~INR 84 crores (USD 10 million)
Parents	Sanjay Pahariya (Father), Smruti Sanjay Pahariya (Mother)
Sibling	Veer Pahariya (Brother)
Maternal Grandfather	Sushil Kumar Shinde
Relationship Status	Rumored to be dating Janhvi Kapoor

Social Media Information	Details
Instagram Handle	@shikharpahariya
Instagram Followers	~412,000 (as of 2025)
Notable Posts	Diwali celebrations, polo events, and interactions with Janhvi Kapoor
Social Media Activity	Low; limited posts (7 posts as of 2024)

Public Persona and Media Attention

Shikhar’s association with Janhvi Kapoor has made him a frequent subject of media coverage. His appearances at high-profile events, such as the Ambani-Merchant wedding, and his interactions with Bollywood celebrities have amplified his visibility. Despite his luxurious lifestyle, Shikhar remains grounded, focusing on his business ventures, sports, and philanthropy.

In 2025, Shikhar made headlines for his dignified response to a casteist comment on his Diwali post, where he condemned divisive mindsets and advocated for unity. This incident highlighted his ability to address social issues with maturity and conviction.

Conclusion

Shikhar Pahariya is a dynamic individual whose journey reflects a blend of entrepreneurial ambition, athletic prowess, and social responsibility. From his early ventures as a teenager to his current role in his family’s business and polo career, Shikhar continues to make strides in multiple domains. His rumored relationship with Janhvi Kapoor adds a layer of intrigue to his public image, but it is his dedication to his passions and causes that truly defines him. As he navigates the worlds of business, sports, and philanthropy, Shikhar Pahariya remains a figure to watch in India’s social and cultural landscape.