MTV Splitsvilla X6: Afghanistani model Sadhaaf adds ‘Shankar’ to her name, opens up about being a Shiv devotee

MTV Splitsvilla X6: Afghanistani model Sadhaaf adds ‘Shankar’ to her name, opens up about being a Shiv devotee

• Sadhaaf Shankar, Afghan-born model, stands out on Splitsvilla 16 for her beliefs
• She added "Shankar" to her name as a follower of Lord Shiva, despite being Muslim.
• Splitsvilla 16 airs on MTV and JioHotstar, featuring 32 contestants

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Afghanistan-born model Sadhaaf Shankar has emerged as one of the most talked-about contestants on Splitsvilla 16, not just for her presence on the dating reality show but for the deeply personal story behind her name and beliefs. The new season premiered on January 9, 2026, and Sadhaaf’s introduction immediately sparked curiosity among both contestants and viewers.

Though originally from Afghanistan, Sadhaaf has been living in India for over a decade. During her time on the show, she openly shared her admiration for Indian culture and traditions, even admitting that she wishes to marry an Indian man someday. Her comfort with Indian customs and values has stood out, but what truly caught attention was the surname she uses: Shankar.

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During a candid moment on the show, host Karan Kundrra expressed surprise at Sadhaaf having “Shankar” as part of her name despite being born into a Muslim family. When asked about it, Sadhaaf calmly explained that she is a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Out of faith and personal belief, she chose to add Shankar to her name, seeing it as a spiritual connection rather than a label.

Her explanation was met with appreciation from everyone present on set. Sadhaaf clarified that her devotion is a matter of choice, not compulsion. She spoke about praying and fasting as acts of faith that bring her peace, rather than obligations tied to any community or expectation. The moment struck a chord with viewers, many of whom praised her honesty and the confidence with which she owns her spiritual journey.

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Despite being active on social media and increasingly visible in the public eye, Sadhaaf has remained guarded about her personal background. Details about her family, education, and early years are largely kept private. Instead, she prefers to let her actions, values, and personality define her. This balance between openness and privacy has added depth to her image on the show, making her one of the season’s most intriguing participants.

Karan Kundrra has returned to Splitsvilla after six years to co-host the sixteenth season alongside Sunny Leone. Adding to the chaos and entertainment are familiar faces Nia Sharma and Uorfi Javed, who bring their trademark mischief to the show. This season features 32 contestants competing to find their ideal match, including names like Anjali, Akanksha Choudhary, Anisha Shinde, Diksha Pawar, Sadhaaf Shankar, and Soundarya Shetty.

Splitsvilla 16 airs on MTV every Friday to Sunday at 9:00 pm and is also available for streaming on JioHotstar.