When Bridgerton met Sakht Launda: Social media abuzz as Zakir Khan spotted alongside Simone Ashley, the diamond of the US Open 2025

If this isn’t one of the greatest rom-com crossovers ever!As the Bridgerton-famed star Simone Ashley was seen cozying up by the side of her mystery man, speculated to be Tim Sykes, it was Zakir Khan, the globally acclaimed Indian comedian, who stole the limelight!

When Bridgerton met ‘Sakht Launda’: What happened?

The US Open is known for its glamour and star-studded audience. However, this time, the star-studded gallery delivered a proper rom-com surprise on September 1!

Take a cue of romance from Bridgerton actress Simone Ashley, and sprinkle some comedic charm of Zakir Khan on it!While Simone was seen making headlines as she leaned into her mystery man and planting a kiss, next to her was Indian globally acclaimed stand-up comedian Zakir Khan – known to fans nationwide as the ‘sakht launda’. That’s not it. The star-studded row also had actor Kal Penn.Simone’s presence already had the sparks flying, as she had already turned heads, looking stunning in a chic Ralph Lauren Polo Bear sweater paired with white jeans, cat-eye sunglasses, and a Prada purse. Cherry on the top? A quick, affectionate kiss with the man seated beside her sparked whispers across social media. Sources suggest he’s Tim Sykes, a prominent NYC restaurateur behind Ruby’s Cafe and Dudley’s.However, the real surprise? Zakir Khan, who made a glorious appearance after making history just last month.

The ‘sakht launda’ of the gallery

Last month, Zakir Khan wrote history by becoming the first Indian comedian to headline a full-length Hindi stand-up show at Madison Square Garden. The venue, which has been known as a benchmark of global excellence, was sold out to a crowd of thousands of fans. His performance wasn’t just a sold-out gig; it was a cultural milestone for South Asian comedy on the world stage.Hyping up the ‘sakht launda’, came along the Indian-American comedian Hasan Minhaj, who was in the house and celebrated Zakir’s groundbreaking achievement, calling it “a historic night for comedy around the world.”

He even joked that his parents might now love Zakir more than him, saying, “and I'm okay with that.” Fellow Indian comedian Tanmay Bhat also shared the stage, showing support for Zakir’s big moment.So when the same guy shows up at the US Open, that too, along with Kal Penn, social media takes note. As expected, Desi fans couldn’t get enough. In fact, one internet user precisely summed it up: Simone Ashley sitting next to Zakir Khan was “just insane,” while another chimed in, “Sakt launda bhi sharma gaya,” acknowledging how even the unshakeable Sakht Launda looked a bit star-struck.

From a quick kiss to a global frame

At its core, this courtside snapshot was a winning serve: part celebrity cameo, part cultural crossover, and part fun rom-com moment – all played out against the charged backdrop of tennis in New York. For Simone Ashley and Zakir Khan, many saw it as proof that South-Asian stars continue expanding their influence.While Simone let the fans get a sneak peek at her ‘personal life’, only after sparking dating speculation with actor Joshua Jackson last month, Zakir Khan’s presence on the same row proved what a spectacular journey he has made so far.