Yes—up to a point. You can create a synthetic background blur in post-processing with tools like blur filters, masking, or dedicated plugins. This works best when the background is all at roughly the same distance from the subject.

The limitation is that real bokeh depends on scene depth: points farther from the focus plane blur differently, and a normal 2D photo does not contain full depth information. Because of that, simple Gaussian blur often looks fake unless applied carefully with good masking and restraint.

So: you can simulate the look, but it usually won’t fully match the character of true optical blur from a fast lens and wide aperture. Also, wide apertures provide benefits beyond just background blur.

If realism matters, getting the effect in-camera is still the best option. If you do it in post, use it subtly to avoid an unnatural result.