If one speaks of the most reliable pillars of the Indian cricket team, KL Rahul inevitably finds a place in that conversation. Whether it is opening in challenging test conditions in England and Australia or stabilizing the middle order at number five in ODIs, Rahul has repeatedly adapted to the team’s needs. Since making his international debut in 2014, he has grown into a key figure and has also led the side on several occasions in the absence of the regular captain.
However, away from the cricketing discourse, Rahul’s personal life has drawn equal interest. The Indian batter is married to Athiya Shetty, a Bollywood actress and the daughter of veteran actor Suniel Shetty. Their relationship is believed to have begun around 2019, after the two were introduced through mutual friends. It soon came to be viewed as one of the most prominent unions between the worlds of cricket and Bollywood, following the much-talked-about pairing of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma.
In its early phase, Rahul and Athiya made a conscious effort to keep their relationship private. Despite this, they were spotted together on several occasions at family gatherings and IPL-related events, often drawing the attention of paparazzi. Athiya was also seen multiple times in the IPL stands, quietly supporting Rahul and his teams, moments that gradually fueled public curiosity.
Rather than making a formal announcement, the couple allowed their relationship to become public through subtle social media posts and selective joint appearances. After years of keeping their personal life largely guarded, the couple tied the knot in January 2023. The wedding took place at Suniel Shetty’s farmhouse in Khandala and was an intimate affair attended only by close family members and friends.
How Did KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty Meet?
KL Rahul met Athiya Shetty at a time when he was already an established figure in Indian cricket, having represented the national team for over five years. Rahul carried the image of a rising star, while Athiya had already made her Bollywood debut, making their introduction feel less like a chance meeting and more like a quiet celebrity encounter. They were introduced by a mutual friend, though their first interaction remained informal and deliberately low-key.
What began as a casual acquaintance gradually developed into a deeper connection, shaped by shared values, mutual respect, and a common preference for privacy. Unlike many celebrity couples, Rahul and Athiya consciously chose to keep their relationship away from public view. There were no early social media declarations or carefully curated posts. For a long period, both remained silent, even as speculation continued to grow.
Their earliest public appearances were limited to close friends and family gatherings, where they avoided posing for cameras or addressing rumors directly. Over time, however, they began to be seen more frequently at select social events, private parties, and family functions, including gatherings hosted by Athiya’s father, Suniel Shetty. These moments, though understated, gradually made their relationship evident.
The couple eventually chose to acknowledge their bond openly through shared photographs on social media, confirming what many had already assumed. True to their nature, the confirmation came without spectacle, reinforcing a relationship built on discretion rather than display.
When Did KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty Get Married?
After dating for nearly four years, KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty finally tied the knot on 23 January 2023 in a private ceremony in Khandala, held at the farmhouse of Athiya’s father, veteran Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty. Their wedding stood out not for scale or spectacle, but for its restraint and intimacy, reflecting the couple’s long-held preference for privacy.
The function was an intimate affair, attended only by close family members and a small circle of friends. From the cricketing world, only a handful of Rahul’s teammates and associates were present, while the Bollywood guest list was equally limited. Staying true to their understated approach, photographs from the wedding were shared only after the ceremony, offering fans a carefully curated glimpse into the celebrations.
Is Athiya Shetty Famous? What Does She Do?
Athiya Shetty was born on 5 November 1993 into a well-known film family as the daughter of veteran Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty. She was born and brought up in Mumbai, where she completed her schooling before moving to the United States to study filmmaking and acting at the New York Film Academy.
Athiya made her Bollywood debut with the film Hero in 2015. Over the next four years, she appeared in a handful of films, including Mubarakan and Motichoor Chaknachoor. However, her film career did not gain sustained momentum, and after her last release in 2019, she chose to take an indefinite break from acting.
Today, Athiya is actively involved in fashion, brand endorsements, and lifestyle ventures. She is widely regarded as a style icon and has collaborated with several leading fashion and beauty brands, making regular appearances at fashion events and in editorial campaigns. In terms of fame, Athiya may not rank among the most commercially dominant actresses in Bollywood, but she is well recognized for her fashion sense, elegance, and composed public persona.
Public Appearances and Social Media Moments
The couple’s first widely viral moment came in 2021, when KL Rahul was spotted at the premiere of Tadap, the debut film of Ahan Shetty, brother of Athiya Shetty. Later that same year, Rahul put an end to months of speculation by officially confirming their relationship in 2021 through a heartfelt birthday post for Athiya on social media.
Even before this confirmation, Athiya had been a frequent presence in the stands at IPL matches and Indian team games since 2019. Her regular appearances during Rahul’s matches had already sparked curiosity and speculation among fans and media alike.
Are There Any Recent Updates About the Couple?
KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty were blessed with a baby girl on 24 March 2025, marking a new and deeply personal chapter in their lives. The couple shared the joyful news through a joint Instagram post. The post featured a minimalistic artistic illustration of two swans, accompanied by the message: