Actor Athiya Shetty celebrates her 34th birthday on November 5, drawing warm congratulations from across the film fraternity as well as legions of admirers. Standing out among the wave of celebratory messages is a deeply affectionate tribute from her father, Suniel Shetty, who honored his daughter on her milestone day by sharing rare nostalgic photographs from her early childhood years alongside a sincere reflection on fatherhood.
Suniel Shetty Expresses Unconditional Love for Daughter
Taking to his Instagram account, Suniel Shetty posted two endearing pictures capturing Athiya during her childhood. Alongside the vintage memories, he penned an emotional note articulating his thoughts as a parent. Suniel Shetty wrote,
"Athiya, no matter how old you get, you will always be that little girl to me, whom I could never say no to."He went on to describe the poignant experience of watching Athiya create her own little world, remarking that certain truths and bonds remain unchanged with the passage of time. Wishing her a blessed birthday, he stated that he loves her far beyond what mere words could describe. The warm familial message quickly resonated with followers across social media platforms.
Athiya Shetty's Professional Trajectory in Cinema
Athiya Shetty stepped into the Hindi film industry in 2015 with the romantic action drama 'Hero'. Directed by Nikhil Advani and produced by Salman Khan, the project served as an official remake of Subhash Ghai's 1983 classic of the identical title. Starring alongside Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya earned critical recognition for her performance, securing nominations for Best Female Debut at both the Filmfare Awards and the Stardust Awards.
Around two years later, she appeared in the ensemble comedy 'Mubarakan', helmed by director Anees Bazmee. The film featured a notable star cast including Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, and Ileana D'Cruz. Expanding her screen appearances, Athiya featured in rapper and musician Badshah's vibrant track 'Tere Naal Nachna' in 2018. Subsequently, in 2019, she took on a distinctive role opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the romantic comedy 'Motichoor Chaknachoor'. In the film, she played the character of Anita Awasthi, a small-town woman driven by the desire to marry a non-resident Indian and settle abroad.
Personal Life, Marriage to KL Rahul, and Current Focus
Athiya Shetty's personal journey took a major step forward following an extended courtship with cricketer KL Rahul. The couple first crossed paths in January 2019 through a mutual acquaintance. That meeting paved the way for mutual understanding, genuine affection, and a steadily deepening relationship over the following years. After several years of dating, Athiya and KL Rahul solemnized their partnership in marriage in 2023.
Currently, Athiya has stepped back from cinematic assignments to channel her energy into her domestic realm and motherhood. Against the backdrop of her growing family life, Suniel Shetty's celebratory reflection highlights how parental affection stands firm through changing years. For him, regardless of how much time passes or what life milestones she attains, Athiya remains the cherished young girl who holds an irreplaceable place in his heart.
