MUMBAI: Actor Gaurav Arora says last year’s reports claiming he dated “Dilwale” actress Kriti Sanon bothered him a lot as the speculation took away from the hardwork he was putting in, professionally.

Even before he made his debut with “Love Games” earlier this year, Gaurav was in news for his link-up with Kriti.

The actor says the duo modelled together in their early days which made people speculate of an apparent relationship. “It was being written about again and again. Somewhere the constant speculation really did hurt, that I’ve done so much and now I am being talked about with regards to Kriti, or some other girl. We modelled together. That’s how people think there was something going on,” Gaurav told PTI. The 26-year-old actor says while he knew Kriti professionally, today he is not in touch with the “Heropanti” star as both of them are busy with their films. “Right now I am not even touch with her. I don’t remember the last time I spoke to her. I got busy with my films, she must be busy with her stuff. There is no truth to any of these rumours at all.” Gaurav feels while the speculations about love life might be flattering to some, he personally does not encourage it as it takes away from the efforts he put in to reach the industry. “I’ve just done two films and have had three link-up speculations so far. But the bad side is, it took me 10 years to get my first film. I’ve gone through a lot of hardwork, rejections. “When the film is coming up and people start talking about these things, it takes away from your hardwork. Personally, I don’t like it because the attention shifts on your personal life.” The actor will be next seen in “Raaz Reboot”. The film is the fourth instalment in the “Raaz” horror-franchise. Directed by Vikram Bhatt, it also stars Emraan Hashmi and Kriti Kharbanda. “Raaz Reboot” is scheduled to release on September 16.—PTI