When Suniel Shetty and Ahan Shetty sit down together, the conversation is as much about cinema as it is about courage and strength — to be vulnerable, to withstand judgment, and to allow each other the freedom to fall, rise, unlearn and recharge. On the Bombay Times Lounge, Suniel brings his trademark candour and talks about the dangers of both success and failure, while Ahan reflects on carrying a celebrated surname without letting it define or confine him. The full, unfiltered conversation drops tonight on the Bombay Times YouTube Channel, offering a rare, intimate look at what it means to stand tall together under the spotlight. Excerpts:

Ahan: Dad shows his vulnerable side, not just at home, even outside. He shows his emotions; he is who he is, and that’s why people love him.

Suniel: You have to be vulnerable, as that’s the side of you that your kids see, else you will be putting up a façade. At the recent Border 2 event, if I got teary-eyed, that was the father in me. That moment mattered to me most when Ahan came next to me and placed his hand on my back – that’s when my emotions flowed. When it comes to your children, I think parents are most vulnerable and become a completely different person.

Suniel: That is the scary part. I have told my kids that I know you’ll see success and handle it, but will you be able to handle failure? Because it’s a ruthless world out there. It’s a virtual world. Abuse is abuse. And being first and not right is what news is often all about. And that can destroy an individual. So, I tell my kids to be ready for that. Make sure that notifications and approval are not what your life is all about. Cut off when you have to. Engage, let people know what you are up to and then disconnect.

Ahan: It is hard. But I think we’ve grown up in an environment where dad kept us away from everything, so Athiya and I had a world beyond movies. A lot of my friends are not from the industry, and I think that is very important to have before you step into a career like this. You need to be grounded. You need to have those friends who tell you, “Hey, relax!”

Suniel: That’s the sad part about sports, cinema and politics. You’re in the public eye and have to constantly prove yourself. We’ve got another kid at home (K L Rahul) who is a cricketer and has to constantly prove himself. They (Athiya, K L and Ahan) sit together and share things. It’s important to have a family that can actually tell you what it is to handle the highs and lows. We talk about individuals and freedom. I think what we need is the joint family system, where the family can help you handle the highs and lows in life because both could be dangerous at times.

Ahan: She’s my go-to person for anything and everything. I’ve seen her grow and mature so much more throughout this journey of motherhood. It’s surreal for me to see her in that way.

Suniel: It is tough. It is his journey, his choice of films and I’m absolutely fine with that. But apart from that, if you’re going to take a potshot at my son, I’d sit down once, I’d sit down twice, then I’m a Shetty boy and old school is old school. I will not let go. I will take you on. I will take you on the way you want me to take you on, because I’m clean and honest here, and also fearless. It’s only when you are honest that you are fearless. That’s the way it is going to be. I didn’t interfere during his debut film, Tadap, even once, nor did I say I want to see even one frame of Border 2 during its making. For this film, only when they told me to be there at an event, I was there. It’s my son’s film, so it’s my film and I’ll do it. It’s his journey, of course, I will keep guiding him whenever he needs me, as my years of experience have taught me a lot.

Ahan: At times, I do, even Athiya does, and we tell him. I think she is more assertive. We know how far he can go for someone, and we know how much he can do for a person, so it’s like we have to hold him back.

Ahan: We definitely have, maybe it will happen when the time is right. I’ve taken that step in a way, by being a part of Border 2, and being a part of an iconic film franchise that my father was a part of.

Ahan: Carrying my father’s legacy forward is very important to me. Obviously, I have his name, and I want to carry forward that name. The pressure is there and will always be there, but I try not to focus on that. A lot of people on social media say, ‘You’ll never be like your father.’ I know I’ll never be like him. I can’t compare myself to him and I won’t. This is my journey. I just hope that I can be true to myself and be honest in terms of my performances and with the people around me.

After more than three decades in showbiz, Suniel Shetty is enjoying a second wind — on-screen success on one side and a brand-new role as a grandfather on the other. His career is soaring, his home is fuller, and life, he admits, has never felt richer. When his daughter Athiya married cricketer K L Rahul, he gained not just a son-in-law but “another son” alongside Ahan. Yet, fatherhood — and now grandfatherhood — comes with its own share of worries.

Earlier, he worried about Athiya and Ahan; now it is about Rahul getting trolled — especially after India’s disappointing loss to South Africa in the recent Test series. Rahul has now been chosen to lead India in the ODI series against South Africa.

“Initially I used to get deeply hurt, perhaps more than my children. They would tell me to remain calm and not feel bad. Today, I have realised it is all a part of a celebrity’s life, so it doesn’t affect me as much anymore,” shares Suniel, admitting that he still does not watch his son-in-law play. “There is too much stress involved.”

Though films and cricket usually dominate the public perception of their lives, at home the conversation rarely touches either. “We influence billions of people; [it is] a blessed position, hence important for us to behave right. Rahul is calm, respectful, and all about empathy, he adds strength to [the family]. Ahan and he are best friends [before being] brothers. His influence is stronger on them,” he says.

Becoming a grandfather to eight-month-old Evaara — born to Rahul and Athiya in March this year — has been “ten times more blissful”. He is ready to turn into a camel, horse, sheep, or even a fish for the little one. “There is nothing else that I want to do but be around her. I am willing to do everything for Evaara. She has a bit of Rahul, Ahan, and Athiya in her. Evaara has a birthday celebration every month on the 24th with cake and everything,” Suniel gushes.

Suniel Shetty is thrilled that his son Ahan has taken the mantle from him by featuring in ‘Border 2’, and “has finally found his mojo”. “It is the most beautiful feeling for me. Ahan is confident; I see absolute joy and pleasure on his face. Success and failure come, but to see that happiness on his face as a father is a different joy. It’s the only thing that I have ever wanted,” he says, beaming with pride.

The Shetty household is brimming with excitement this festive season as it marks a very special milestone — the family’s first Diwali with its youngest member, cricketer K L Rahul and actor Athiya Shetty’s daughter, Evaarah. Proud mamu, actor Ahan Shetty says the celebration feels “extra bright” this year.

“The last two years I wasn’t in Mumbai due to travel, but this year is different, it’s my niece’s first Diwali,” Ahan shares, adding, “There’s a lot more excitement because there are so many firsts. Unfortunately, Rahul is in Australia for India’s tour, but the rest of the family will be together.”

Ahan admits his little niece has become the centre of everyone’s attention. “She’s brought so much love and happiness. We already had that as a family, but it’s just amplified now with her around,” he says with a smile. On his new role as mamu, he adds, “I’ll be a mix of both, the fun one who pampers her and the slightly serious one when it comes to teaching her things.”

Watching his sister embrace motherhood has been a moving experience. “I see such a different side to Athiya now... so hands-on, nurturing and caring. Growing up, she was like a second mother to me, and now seeing her with her child makes me so proud. I’m also a bit relieved that all her protective energy has now shifted from me to Evaarah,” he laughs.

Currently filming Border 2, Ahan admits he’s on a strict diet but can’t resist festive treats. “I absolutely love motichoor laddoos. Even though I’m on a diet for the film, I allow myself some sweets during Diwali. It’s impossible to resist,” he says.

Reflecting on the meaning of Diwali, Ahan adds, “It’s about bringing in happiness, letting go of what’s past, and looking forward to what’s next. I’m in a phase where I’m reflecting on how far I’ve come and what lies ahead — this Diwali feels like the start of a new chapter.”

Cricketer K L Rahul has of late been at the receiving end of a lot of criticism over his form, with many taking digs at him and calling him out for his underperformance. His father-in-law, actor Suniel Shetty, has come out in his support, asserting that he was and continues to be a “fan” of Rahul.

Shetty, whose daughter — actor Athiya Shetty — got married to Rahul in January this year, tells us: “There are a lot of reasons [behind underperformance]. You have injuries. You go through highs and lows... So many of the kids these days are going through this. That’s their journey. They have to learn from it; life doesn’t end there. We have to move on. I will never ridicule a sportsperson. I was Rahul’s fan earlier and I am a fan even today.”

He goes on to mention how one can set the record straight only through their actions and not words. “Who are these people trolling you? How important are they? What have they gone through? Sometimes, I pity them. If you look at it from their point of view, maybe it’s their frustration... But that’s okay. His bat has to talk. Rahul or me talking is not going to help,” says the Dharavi Bank actor.

The 61-year-old, in his career spanning 30-odd years, has had his share of highs and lows, too. “I have been trolled, too. I have been called a bad actor. We have got into this field consciously knowing where we are going. People ask me, ‘What do you tell Rahul?’ What can I tell him? He plays for the country. Getting selected to play for India is in itself a huge honour,” says Shetty, who is getting positive feedback for his recent web outing, Hunter: Tootega Nahi Todega.

“It is a huge compliment when people come to me and say, ‘You have got into the skin of the character’. I’ve never played a character who has gone rogue,” he says, adding that he is enjoying this new phase of his career.

Actor Suniel Shetty has opened up on the controversial comments made by cricketer K L Rahul (now son-in-law) and fellow cricketer Hardik Pandya in an episode of Koffee With Karan in 2019.

Rahul and Pandya found themselves in hot water after their appearance on filmmaker Karan Johar’s chat show where they made controversial comments.

Reflecting on the controversy, Shetty, on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, said, “You know when that interview of him (K L Rahul) and Hardik (Pandya) came… Hardik probably got carried away. But when you have an anchor shoving it down your throat what do you do? So it is the format of the show, you get kids excited and they say stuff and then Bollywood is being banned.”

Rahul is now married to Shetty’s daughter, actor Athiya.

Suniel further added that people should be responsible about what they say and how they say it. “So I think we all, you as an anchor, me as a guest, we all need to be responsible because you ask me a question that I feel I can’t answer doesn’t mean (I should feel) that I am inferior to anybody, when that happens, that’s when things go wrong and it should never go wrong. You should have the guts to say things as they are and as they should be,” he shared.

When asked how Rahul is as a guy, Suniel called him “extremely committed”. He said, “He is one of the softest human beings you’ll come across. Also, I am talking about any sportsman, any athlete, give them their space because they all grow — situations, what you are going through at that time, all that is very important.”

There has been a lot of excitement around the next instalment of the comedy classic Hera Pheri, especially after the actors (Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty) were spotted shooting for a promotional video for the upcoming film. Suniel Shetty, who is super excited to reunite with the team, reassuring the fans of the classic, says, “We don’t want the legendary Hera Pheri to be impacted by any mistakes we make in the future.”

The actor, who is looking his fittest best, in a chat with us also talks about how martial arts helped him win a place in showbiz, his faith in the team of the cult comedy, and of course, his newest role in life – that of a father-in-law. Excerpts...

When we all got together for the shoot, it didn’t feel like so many years have gone by. It’s an amazing feeling to have Akki (Akshay Kumar) back in the franchise.

For me, Hera Pheri will always be about Babu bhaiya (Paresh Rawal), Raju (Akshay) and Shyam (Suniel) in that order, and it works best in that order. There have been a lot of speculations, but we are all aware of what the script is. The new Hera Pheri is going to be emotional and funny, which was also the beauty of the first film. It had very strong emotions of the common man and their struggles. I strongly believe that the new Hera Pheri will work only if the emotions are right.

I have always said that Kartik Aaryan was never taking over Akshay’s role in the film. Kartik is the new kid on the block who is extraordinary, but he cannot replace Akshay Kumar. Raju will always remain Raju, and the audience won’t accept a replacement for him. It (Kartik’s) was a new character, and now who’s playing that part or what happens to that character… I am clueless about it. Meanwhile, Akki wanted to (be a part of the franchise). Whatever transpired between the producer and him, Akki knows, but whenever I had spoken to Akki in the past, I had always told him that this film should be our top priority. He had also agreed saying, ‘Yes, this is a film we should work on’.

About the director, as long as Farhad is committed to the script, I don’t think there is a problem at all. Today, there is more than one director associated with this film and I say that because the actors are as involved in the project (as the director). None of us are going to make a fool of ourselves with this film. After all, we don’t want the legendary Hera Pheri to be impacted by any mistakes we make in the future. Even if it’s not as good but is remotely close to the original, and we can make a sensible film, we are happy. All I can say for now is that Farhad has done a brilliant job with the writing of the film. We should start rolling mostly in the second half of the year.

With Sanjay Dutt on board, the film will be a laugh riot, because Sanju’s sense of comedy is unbelievable. His comic timing and body language will add ek aur chaand to this project. He will take this to another level. We share a fantastic relationship and that will transpire on screen, too.

Mixed Martial Arts is the highest paid sport in the world. In India it took off late, but it has taken over boxing today. Through the show I could see talent coming in from remote places, where they probably didn’t have proper infrastructure and training, yet,some of them could have the ability to represent India soon in the world of MMA. As far as I am concerned, I got into films because of my martial arts background. I practiced kickboxing, and so my action came from there. When I began as an actor, people said that I was only an action star, and they called me wooden. It was action that gave me the opportunity to learn the rest of the craft, so I owe it all to action. My martial arts background has allowed me to stay fit and fight the way I do even at this age.

I don’t know what the role of a father-in-law is. The only role I know is that of a father. I am blessed to have a son like Rahul. He has blended beautifully with our family, because he is a simple guy and that is exactly how we are.

Well, Athiya always wanted something intimate. There were hardly 70-80 people attending the wedding. It was very satisfying as we could attend to all our guests personally. I thought a lot of people would be upset (for not being invited), but instead, they appreciated it. Nothing has changed between Athiya and me as far as our equation is concerned. Earlier, it would be five phone calls a day, but today, gudiya and I make 15 phone calls to each other. Now, we don’t take things for granted and look forward to spending time with each other.

On January 23, cricketer K L Rahul and actor Athiya Shetty tied the knot at Shettys’ Khandala farmhouse, beginning a new chapter of their love story. Little is known about their romance as the couple had kept it largely away from the public glare. It turns out Suniel Shetty too was initially unaware of his daughter’s blossoming friendship with the cricketer. On a recently-shot episode of The Kapil Sharma Show, the senior actor revealed how he first met Rahul at an airport in 2019.

The senior actor shot for the comedy show, as part of the promotions for his upcoming MMA show Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt. Suniel was joined by wrestlers The Great Khali, Mahavir Phogat and mixed martial artist Ritu Phogat on the episode. After discussing the upcoming reality show, host Kapil Sharma steered the conversation to Suniel, asking him about his first meeting with his son-in-law. 

Recounting the chance meeting, the senior actor shared, “I had the pleasure of meeting Rahul first at an airport. I was thrilled to learn that he was from Mangalore, my hometown. I was a big fan of him, and was happy to see that he was doing well. When I came home and shared the news with Athiya and Mana, they didn’t say much; they just exchanged looks with each other. Later, Mana came to me and said that Athiya and Rahul [were on] talking terms.”

What was Suniel’s reaction to that? He was thrilled, says the senior actor. After all, he was keen that Athiya meet boys who hailed from a similar cultural background. “I was surprised that Athiya had not mentioned it to me. [At the same time], I was happy as I always told Athiya to connect with south Indian boys,” he recounted.

Suniel was pleased to know that the cricketer, in his growing-up years, stayed close to the actor’s ancestral house. “Rahul’s house in Mangalore [where his parents live] is only a few kilometres away from my birthplace [Mulki]. So, this was a happy coincidence.”

The first big celeb wedding of 2023 has finally happened. Actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer K L Rahul got married in an intimate ceremony held on Monday (January 23) at Athiya’s father, actor Suniel Shetty’s Khandala (Maharashtra) farmhouse. Only select celebs such as actors Diana Penty, Anushka Ranjan and Aditya Seal, and cricketer Ishant Sharma were spotted at the do.

The wedding took place around 4:00 pm and the couple looked dreamy in designer Anamika Khanna ensembles. While Athiya, 30, wore a blush pink lehenga, Rahul, 30, complemented her in an ivory sherwani. Suniel, who donned a traditional Mangalorean outfit, greeted the media after the wedding and distributed sweets.

“Very beautiful, small, very close family event. Bohot achha raha aur abhi phere bhi ho gaye hain. Abhi shaadi officially ho chuki hai toh officially father-in-law bhi ban chuka hoon (sic),” the 61-year-old said. Athiya’s brother, actor Ahan Shetty, said, “I am super, super happy. Rahul has always been like a brother to me. So, I am so glad he is part of the family now.”

The newlyweds, who dated for a while and made their relationship Insta official in 2019, were all smiles as they posed for the paps. They shared a glimpse of the wedding on social media and wrote, “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. With a heart full of gratitude and love, we seek your blessings on this journey of togetherness (sic).”

Actors Kajol, Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Vicky Kaushal, among others, wished the couple on social media. Suniel said a reception will happen after Rahul is done with this year’s leg of the Indian Premiere League that starts in March.

Cricketer K L Rahul tied the knot with his actress girlfriend Athiya Shetty yesterday at Suniel Shetty’s Khandala bungalow. The ceremony was a private affair with just the family and close friends in attendance. Among the guests present for the shaadi was cricketer Ishant Sharma, and Athiya’s friends from the industry, including Krishna Shroff, Diana Penty, Anshula Kapoor, Aditya Seal and his wife Anushka Ranjan.

The father of the bride, Suniel, along with his son Ahan stepped out to greet the media and distribute sweets after the wedding. Talking about the ceremony, he said, “It was surreal. It was a beautiful event. Very small; there were just close family members. Bahut accha raha. Shaadi officially ho chuki hai, so main father-in-law bhi ban chuka hoon.”

He further added that he would like to do away with the ‘in-law’ part of his new role. “In-law ka chakkar agar hat jaye, aur agar father hi rahoon toh bahut khoobsurat hai, kyunki woh part main bahut achhe se nibhaata hoon,” he said.

Speaking about his brother-in-law, Ahan said, “Rahul has been like a brother to me. I am glad he is now a part of our family.”

Suniel confirmed that they plan to host a grand reception post the IPL for members of the cricketing world and film industry.

Bollywood’s first big shaadi of the year is here. For months, fans were speculating about the dates of the Athiya Shetty-K L Rahul wedding, with the buzz getting stronger last week as the cricketer’s Bandra house was bedecked with lights. It is now confirmed that the actor-cricketer jodi — who have been in a steady relationship since 2019 — will tie the knot on January 23 at Suniel Shetty’s sprawling farmhouse Jahaan in Khandala. The pre-wedding festivities will kick off today at the farmhouse with the mehndi and sangeet ceremony.

While the lovebirds kept mum about their impending nuptials over the past months, we hear the wedding preparation began last November. Athiya’s parents Suniel and Mana Shetty personally called their industry friends, requesting them to block their dates from January 21 to 23.

“The shaadi will be a grand, traditional affair, in keeping with the rituals of the Bunt community that the Shettys belong to. The pre-wedding festivities will kick off today with the Madarengee, where the bride’s hands are adorned with mehndi. On D-Day, the bride will perform Murthasese that entails praying to the sacred tulsi plant, followed by the aarti that will mark the beginning of the wedding ceremony. It will be followed by the Dhareyeruna [kanyadaan] and the homa, which sees the couple taking the saat pheras,” reveals a source.

The two families have drawn up a list of 100 guests, comprising their extended family and friends. A mélange of movie stars and cricketers will head to the hill station over the weekend. The source adds, 

“Salman Khan, who had launched Athiya in Bollywood with Hero (2015), will be present. Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Jackie and daughter Krishna Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Sajid and Warda Nadiadwala are on the guest list, as are Arjun and Anshula Kapoor. The groom’s cricketer-friends Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya won’t be able to attend as they are part of the one-day series against New Zealand.” 

While some guests will be put up at their luxurious farmhouse, others will stay at the Radisson hotel in Khandala, and another lavish property a few kilometres away from Suniel’s estate.

Rahul, who is joining the Indian cricket team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy next month, will head for training within days of the wedding. Given his chock-a-block schedule, the newly-weds will host an elaborate reception in Mumbai only after the 2023 Indian Premier League is wrapped up.

The invites have been sent, the decor is set, and the date has been sealed — we are less than 10 days from actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer K L Rahul’s wedding, which will take place on January 23. Athiya’s father, actor Suniel Shetty, will host the three-day affair at his farmhouse in Khandala, near Mumbai.

Our sources tell us that a ladies’ night is slotted for January 21. “Athiya’s closest female friends, including actor Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, will be a part of this,” says a source.

Other guests will join the following day, when a sangeet ceremony will take place. One can expect Athiya’s brother, actor Ahan Shetty, their parents Suniel and Mana Shetty, and friends to perform. “It is an extremely close-knit affair. Only friends and family members will be a part of the wedding. It’s most likely that you may not see many industry peeps,” adds the insider.

One may wonder how all the guests will be accommodated at Suniel’s almost two-decade-old Khandala house, Jahaan. We have learnt that the guests will stay at a five-star property near the venue and not at Jahaan.

Our source adds that stylist Ami Patel will style the to-be bride, and stylist Rahul Vijay will style the to-be groom. The wedding will feature traditional Mangalorean cuisine as one of the highlights.

Even as the buzz around KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty’s upcoming wedding gathers momentum, her father Suniel Shetty denies the reports. When we reached out to papa Shetty, he casually responded, “Let me know when you get the confirmed dates so I can attend (the wedding).”

Stories about the couple’s wedding have been doing the rounds for a while now, and according to insiders, there’s a big fat south Indian wedding planned. The celebrations, which will include haldi, mehendi and sangeet ceremonies, are likely to take place from January 21 to 23 at the Shetty residence in Khandala. 

Sources say that prep for the wedding is underway and there’s much excitement in both households as the families gear up for the celebrations. Reportedly, the cricketer has taken personal leave in January 2023, and his application for the same was approved by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

There has been a lot of buzz around KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty’s wedding and if the latest reports are to be believed the couple would be tying the knot next year in January 2023. As per reports, Rahul was granted leave by BCCL for ‘personal work’. This means the cricketer will not be a part of India’s T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka. This further hinted at the possibility of a wedding.

Rahul and Athiya have been dating for more than three years now and have often shared pictures of each other on their social media handles. Reports suggest that the couple plans to get married in January 2023 in a private ceremony with only close friends and family members in attendance.

If reports are to be believed, wedding bells might ring for actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer K L Rahul in January next year. And Athiya’s father, actor Suniel Shetty is in no mood to confirm, and asserts that the family is trying hard to figure out a date.

As per a report by Pinkvilla, preps are going on in full swing at Suniel’s Khandala bungalow for his daughter’s wedding. It has been a few days since Rahul returned to Mumbai after playing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the pace of things seems to have sped up on this front.

“Rahul and Athiya will tie the knot in January. They visited the Khandala house recently. While the exact dates are under the wraps, the couple will have a traditional wedding,” a source said, adding, “The soon-to-be bride and groom have finalised their outfits for the big day.”

When we spoke to Suniel last week about the wedding, before this report came in, he told us, “I am looking at the possible dates. With both their schedules, we are figuring out things. Hopefully soon, we will know when and where will it (wedding) happen.”

The 61-year-old adds that they are a close-knit family and do not have long conversations. But he assured us, “I guess at the right time, everyone will know [details about the wedding].”

Opening up about Athiya’s and his son actor Ahan Shetty’s relationships, Suniel said, “My kids’ respective partners are very simple and humble kids. I always tell my wife that we are blessed to have them in our lives.”

Athiya and Rahul have been dating for quite some time now, and while the duo has never discussed their love life in public, they have made their relationship official on social media platforms on several occasions by dropping pictures together.

Actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer K L Rahul’s wedding has been the talk of the town ever since they made an official appearance together at the screening of Tadap (2021), which starred Athiya’s brother, Ahan Shetty, in December last year. And now, her father, actor Suniel Shetty has finally confirmed that the couple is indeed heading towards the mandap.

Speaking to the media at an event on Tuesday, he shared about Athiya and Rahul’s wedding plans. The 61-year-old said, “I think jaise hi bachhe decide karenge [it will happen]. Rahul has schedules. Abhi Asia Cup hai, World Cup hai, South Africa tour hai, Australia tour hai. Jab bachho ko break milega tab shaadi hogi. It can’t happen in just a day, right?”

While he admitted that as father of a daughter, one looks forward to the wedding, it can happen only when both of them find enough time for it. He also shared how “scary” K L Rahul’s schedule looks and noted that a wedding involves a ton of decisions and planning that can’t be rushed.

“Abhi papa chahte hain ki ladki hai toh shaadi ho jaaye, lekin ek baar Rahul ko break mil jaye, bachhe decide karein kab, kyunki... Aap calendar dekhoge toh darr jaoge. There’s just a gap of one-two days, aur do din mein shaadi nahin ho sakti. The wedding will be planned when there’s time,” he added.

As per earlier reports, Athiya, 29, and K L Rahul, 30, are expected to have a south Indian-style wedding. The couple often shares lovey-dovey pics and notes on social media. She also accompanies him on his tours sometimes, and they go on vacations together.

There has been buzz that Athiya Shetty and cricketer K L Rahul will be tying the knot this year. As per rumours, they have even booked an entire floor in a building that is still under construction in Bandra, where the couple will apparently move in post their wedding.

When we brought up the topic of her new home at a recent event, Athiya said, “I am not moving in with anyone, but my parents! My family and I will be staying in this brand new home.” Currently, Athiya lives with her parents and brother Ahan at their Altamount Road home in South Mumbai.

When asked about the wedding rumours, she said, “I am not answering any of these questions. I am tired of all this, now I only laugh them off. Let people think whatever they want to”

On the work front, Athiya, who made her debut with Hero opposite Sooraj Pancholi in 2015, was last seen in Motichoor Chaknachoor with Nawazuddin Siddiqui (2019). The actress is excited about her two upcoming projects, one of which might mark her debut in the digital space.

She shared, “I am working on two projects currently, and the announcements may happen soon. One is a film that will have a theatrical release, while the other might head to OTT. We are not sure yet about the latter right now.”

The buzz about Athiya Shetty dating Indian cricketer K L Rahul has been doing the rounds for a while now. Currently, Athiya and Rahul are in London. According to reports Rahul had listed Athiya as his partner before leaving for the World Test Championship Final in England last month. As per rules, players were supposed to notify if they would be travelling with their wives or partners for the series.

When Bombay Times reached out to Athiya’s father, Suniel Shetty, he said, “Yes, she is in England, but she is with Ahan. The brother-sister duo has gone there for a holiday. Rest you may check with them.” 

Interestingly, a few days ago, Suniel had shared a video on social media where Ahan and Rahul could be seen together. “My Love My Strength (sic),” he wrote with it. Talking about it, he said, “Ahan and Rahul are friends. My message was dedicated to both of them. Rahul is one of my favourite cricketers.”

While Suniel avoids talking about the relationship rumours, Athiya and Rahul have shared pictures on social media that have them holidaying together in the past. The two are also brand ambassadors for an eyewear brand. Ask Suniel about their equation, and he is quick to add, “I think it is best you speak to them. As far as the ad goes… I mean it is an international brand and they chose to take the two of them as the ambassadors. I think they look brilliant together. They are a good-looking couple, na? So, it totally works from a brand perspective. And I must say, they look good together, well, in the ad (laughs!).”