Who Is Neelam Gill? Zayn Malik's Rumored New Girlfriend Hinted Months Ago They Were Close

Burberry model Neelam Gill, who is rumored to be dating former One Direction singer Zayn Malik, was seen gushing while talking about him in a video recorded back in April, reports said Friday. The model, who has reportedly been traveling to Los Angeles every now and then to spend time with him, has been friends with Malik since March, according to Hollywood Life.

The 19-year-old Gill thinks Malik is “a nice guy” and even defended his decision of quitting the band in March. Gill was seen dropping hints that the two had a lot in common and knew each other well, the Daily Mail reported. Although Gill has said that she is not a fan of the band, Malik was “smitten” by her, the publication revealed last week.

“Zayn's a nice guy, I'm happy he's being honored tonight and I think it will be a great night,” Gill said in an interview at The Asian Awards in London in April.

When asked about Malik’s decision to quit the band, Gill said, according to Daily Mail: “Honestly I really respect his decision. I can relate to him because we've both been thrown into the industry and I can only imagine how crazy it's been for him. As long as he's happy, I respect that.

“Whatever he does I'm sure he'll be successful, he's really talented and he's a good guy,” Gill added. After the event, she tweeted to Malik: "Congratulations on your award tonight @zaynmalik, catch up again soon!"

Malik and Gill reportedly met at a studio in London for the first time, but things didn't move forward as Malik was engaged to Perrie Edwards at the time. They again bumped into each other during The Asian Awards but Malik was still engaged. However, after Edwards and Malik broke up last month, Gill is believed to have met Malik again. She reportedly made a quick visit to Los Angeles on Sunday where Malik is recording his solo album. Gill was also pictured at the Heathrow Airport waiting to take an outbound flight.

“She [Gill] is going to LA to spend some time with Zayn and see how things go from there. She is serious about her career and doesn't want anything to get in the way of that but she has hit it off with Zayn,” a source told Daily Mail, adding: “Don't expect them to be spotted out in public together though, both are eager to keep their connection a secret for now.”

Edwards, who is part of the Little Mix girl group, and Malik, have not given any reason for their split.