Suniel Shetty Opens Up on Manifesting KL Rahul as His Son-in-Law and Being a Proud Father-in-Law
In a heartfelt interview with Lallantop, Bollywood star Suniel Shetty offered an emotional narrative that went far beyond a father’s perspective. He discussed his long-standing admiration for Indian cricketer KL Rahul and how he believes this admiration manifested into something much deeper—a bond of family. Suniel Shetty, who has always shared a strong and grounded relationship with his children, said that having KL Rahul as a son-in-law felt nothing short of destiny. He emphasized that it wasn’t just about Rahul’s fame or cricketing prowess but about the kind of person he is—humble, respectful, and deeply rooted in family values.
Suniel also noted that he feels incredibly lucky to have someone like KL Rahul join their family. This connection, he explained, was not forced or planned—it came about naturally and beautifully. His heartfelt revelation offered a glimpse into the emotional world of a father who not only supports his daughter’s choices but also values the character of the man she chose.
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The Bollywood Actor Reflects on Years of Admiration for KL Rahul and His Passion for the Game of Cricket
Suniel Shetty’s love for cricket is no secret. The actor often speaks about his passion for the sport and how it connects him with many rising talents across India. Years before KL Rahul became a household name, Suniel had already started following his cricket journey. He revealed that during his shooting schedules, a friend would often call him with updates about emerging players. One name that repeatedly came up was KL Rahul. “Anna, you’ve got to watch this guy play,” the friend would insist. Suniel admitted that he would sometimes leave film sets to watch these young players in action, especially at Wankhede Stadium.
What stood out about KL Rahul for Suniel was not just his batting skills but the calm demeanor and discipline he showed on and off the field. Being from Mangalore, just like Rahul, Suniel felt an immediate connection. He followed Rahul’s growth from a young cricketer into a national icon and always admired his work ethic and humility. At the time, his daughter Athiya and Rahul were only acquaintances, which made it all the more surprising and special when their relationship blossomed into something serious.
Suniel Shetty Recounts His First Meeting With KL Rahul and How It Strengthened His Respect for Him
The first time Suniel Shetty met KL Rahul was not through a planned family introduction, but rather by coincidence at an airport lounge. The lounge manager informed Suniel that Rahul wanted to meet him. Out of courtesy and curiosity, Suniel went over to greet him. He was instantly struck by Rahul’s humility and respectful nature. “He stood up, shook my hand with such warmth, and spoke so modestly. I could see right away that he was raised well,” Suniel recalled.
That brief but meaningful interaction left a lasting impression on Suniel. He explained that in that moment, a quiet voice within him said, “This is the kind of person who belongs in our family.” So when his wife Mana later revealed that Athiya and Rahul were dating, Suniel felt nothing but happiness. He had already seen enough in that short meeting to know that Rahul was a man of character and integrity. “He’s a lovely boy,” Suniel told his wife, expressing how fortunate they were to have found someone who fit so naturally into their family’s values.
The Father of the Bride Shared the Guidance He Gave Athiya on Marriage and Life Partnership
Suniel Shetty has always championed open communication with his children, especially when it comes to life decisions like marriage. In his conversation, he spoke about the advice he gave to Athiya before her relationship with KL Rahul turned into a lifelong commitment. He emphasized that marriage should be built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. Suniel told Athiya that her happiness was of utmost importance and that the decision of who to marry should rest solely with her.
He added that he had always wanted his daughter to choose a partner who came from a humble background and had strong family values. These qualities, he explained, were more valuable than wealth or fame. When Athiya introduced KL Rahul to her parents, Suniel felt reassured. “He checked every box. I didn’t have to say anything more,” he said. His faith in his daughter’s judgment and his early admiration for Rahul combined into complete acceptance and even joy at the union.
Suniel Shetty Explains Why He Didn’t Cry at Athiya’s Bidaai and the Peace He Felt Instead
Weddings are deeply emotional, especially in Indian culture where the bidaai symbolizes a daughter leaving her father’s home. But Suniel Shetty revealed that he didn’t cry during Athiya’s bidaai, and he had a beautiful reason. He said he felt no sadness because he knew his daughter had chosen wisely. “I was calm. I didn’t feel like I was losing my daughter—I felt like we were gaining a son,” he explained.
This calmness came from knowing that Athiya had married someone who would respect and cherish her. For Suniel, the emotional weight of the bidaai was replaced with peace and contentment. He trusted that KL Rahul would keep Athiya happy and safe, and that trust allowed him to let go with joy rather than sorrow. This moment, he said, was not about goodbye—it was about a new beginning.
Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul’s Private Wedding Was a Celebration of Love and Family Values
On January 23, 2023, Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul got married in a beautiful and private wedding ceremony at Suniel Shetty’s picturesque farmhouse in Khandala. The celebration was intimate, attended by close family and friends, including several celebrities and cricketers. The couple’s decision to keep the wedding small reflected their shared values of simplicity and authenticity.
Photos from the ceremony were later posted on Instagram, with a caption that read: “In your light, I learn how to love… Today, with our most loved ones, we got married in the home that’s given us immense joy and serenity.” The message resonated with fans across the world, earning widespread love and blessings. Suniel and his son Ahan were later seen distributing sweets to the media, showcasing the family’s generosity and happiness on the special day.
Suniel Shetty Celebrates KL Rahul as a Wonderful Husband and Proud Father to Baby Evaarah
In March 2025, Athiya and KL Rahul welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Evaarah. The arrival of their daughter brought immense joy to both the Shetty and Rahul families. Suniel Shetty couldn’t stop beaming with pride, not just as a grandfather but as a father-in-law who had seen his instincts proven right. He shared in interviews that KL Rahul had grown into an even more admirable man, balancing his cricket career with his role as a loving husband and now a caring father.
Suniel praised Rahul’s attentiveness and supportiveness, saying that Athiya had made the best decision of her life. “She is blessed to have him, not the other way around,” he said. His words highlighted the mutual respect within their family and the values that both families brought to the union.
Suniel Shetty’s Reflections Offer a Heartfelt Message About Love, Faith, and Family Bonds
Suniel Shetty’s candid reflections on KL Rahul’s journey from admired cricketer to beloved son-in-law serve as a powerful reminder that relationships thrive on respect, trust, and positive intentions. His story offers deep insight into the emotions of a father who values character above all and believes in the magic of manifestation. The bond between the Shetty and Rahul families is a testament to love that grows through understanding and shared values.
Through his guidance to Athiya, his approval of KL Rahul, and his reaction to their wedding and parenthood, Suniel Shetty continues to be an example of what it means to support family with grace and wisdom.
