Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul, a well-known couple in India, have recently welcomed their first child, a darling baby girl, the joy of which they announced to their fans on March 24, 2025. The couple shared the news through a heartwarming post on their Instagram account, with a delightful illustration of two swans captioned with the message, "Blessed with a baby girl - 24.03.2025 - Athiya & Rahul." Their announcement came on the evening of March 24, just as the cricket season was set to begin, and was met with an outpouring of affection from friends, fans, and well-wishers alike.
Suniel Shetty, Athiya’s father and an iconic actor in his own right, was among the first to extend his heartfelt congratulations, posting a love-filled comment that celebrated the arrival of his granddaughter. The congratulatory messages poured in from various Bollywood celebrities including Vaani Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Parineeti Chopra, Mrunal Thakur, Bhumi Pednekar, and Masaba Gupta, all sharing their excitement and joy for the couple's new addition.
Athiya and KL Rahul, who had tied the knot in a private ceremony in January 2023 at Suniel Shetty’s picturesque farmhouse in Khandala, previously announced their pregnancy in November 2024. In their announcement, they wrote, “Our beautiful blessing is coming soon.” This message hinted at the new chapter they were embarking on, a chapter that now fulfills its promise with the arrival of their little girl.
Just a week prior to their big announcement, the couple had shared stunning images from a pregnancy photo shoot where Athiya showcased her radiant glow in several elegant outfits. The images, laden with love and joy, captured anticipation and warmth, reflecting the couple’s excitement for parenthood ahead.
On March 24, coincidentally the same day as the baby’s birth, KL Rahul was unable to participate in the opening match of the IPL 2025 season as a member of the Delhi Capitals, missing the game against the Lucknow Super Giants. The Delhi Capitals had acquired KL Rahul for a staggering Rs 14 crore following a competitive bidding war in the IPL mega auction. Initially set to enhance the team’s performance, he had to step away to support Athiya during the pivotal moment of their lives.
During a press conference ahead of the much-anticipated match, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel addressed the situation, confirming that KL Rahul had been granted special permission to miss the game for the birth of his daughter. The dynamics of the new family responsibilities were clear, with Axar expressing understanding, “Obviously, KL joined the team. We do not know yet if he will play. Right now we do not know if he is available or not.”
Upon sharing their joyous news, fans and fellow cricketers were thrilled, and many rushed to social media to offer their wishes. Notable mentions included wishes from Shanaya Kapoor and Krishna Shroff, who were quick to extend their congratulations to the new parents.
As fans eagerly await KL Rahul’s return to the field, he is expected to rejoin the Delhi Capitals lineup for their second game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30. His absence was felt in the season opener, yet his commitment to family and balancing responsibilities showcases a new era for the star cricketer, who has just come off the high of contributing significantly to India's ICC Champions Trophy win in 2025.
The couple’s love story began back in January 2019 when they first met through a mutual friend. Their relationship blossomed over the years, leading to an intimate wedding and now the beautiful journey of parenthood. KL Rahul’s recent performances, including stellar contributions to the ICC Champions Trophy, have heightened expectations for his performance in the upcoming IPL season. As he prepares to balance his growing responsibilities at home with his aspirations on the field, the excitement continues to build among fans and supporters.
With the arrival of their little girl, Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul have not only celebrated a family milestone but also the love shared by their close-knit community of friends and family, who are equally thrilled to welcome a new member into their group.
The moment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the couple, and the wider cricket and film fraternity eagerly follows their journey into parenthood, full of joy and challenges that lie ahead.
