In July, actor Shraddha Kapoor and Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar writer Rahul Mody were papped after a dinner date, sending fans into a frenzy. With rumours about the two dating intensifying since, we’ve exclusively learnt that things have got serious.

“They got close while working on Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar and have been going strong. But they don’t want to go public with their relationship. They were shocked when they were photographed on a dinner date. That is why they are being more cautious about their outings together,” a source says, adding that the couple picks discreet locations and odd times to meet, to avoid attention.

“In fact, recently, Rahul took Shraddha to buy a new phone, but picked a store where security was expected to be higher so that they wouldn’t get papped. That’s how they want the relationship to be,” the insider says. “That being said, not going public doesn’t mean they are not in a happy place. They are sure about each other and their families, too, like them as a couple,” explains the source.

The reason the couple has kept the relationship hush-hush is the fact that both of them are private people. “Shraddha has always kept her personal life out of the limelight. She didn’t confirm her relationship with (photographer) Rohan Shrestha either. That’s how she wants it to be with Rahul, too,” shares the source. Kapoor reportedly dated Shrestha for over seven years till they parted ways in 2022.

We contacted the actor for a comment but were met with no response till the time of going to press.