Arjun Kapoor says rumours of dating Athiya Shetty 'embarrassing'

Rumours of Bollywood actors Arjun Kapoor and Athiya Shetty being in a relationship have been doing the rounds for a long time. But, the "Ki and Ka" actor has recently rubbished the reports and said that it is embarrassing to get linked to a known person.

The 30-year-old actor clarified his relationship with Suniel Shetty's daughter. "She (Athiya) is my sister's friend. People forget that you can have friends in the industry and that it is a normal thing. I have known her for many years. I don't understand why there is (a) sudden speculation," Arjun told the Press Trust of India.

"But it is embarrassing to get linked to someone you have known for a long time. She (Athiya) is a sweet girl," the actor added. Arjun has been linked to many actresses in the past, including his "Tevar" co-star Sonakshi Sinha.

He also said that media gets paid for publishing such news as it is their job and it doesn't spoil any relationship as the celebs know the truth. "Media saw us (Athiya and I) together at a party so it (dating rumours) all started. It is part and parcel of the film industry. The speculation is normal. I am getting used to it as that it is how things happen," Arjun told PTI.

Earlier, Athiya had reacted to the dating rumours. "I don't take linkup rumours seriously as long as I, my family and close ones know the truth. I don't give any thought to it," Athiya had told PTI. "My father has been in the industry for so long and he understands that all these things come with a celebrity status. We don't give any importance to it. Such reports don't make our dinner table conversations," she had further said.

Meanwhile, Arjun has been appreciated for his performance in Kareena Kapoor Khan-starrer "Ki and Ka" and he will soon start shooting for "Half Girlfriend." Athiya made her Bollywood debut with "Hero" last year and fans are eager to see the actress on-screen again.