Indian cricketer KL Rahul and Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty have stepped into a new chapter of their lives as they welcome their first child, a baby girl, on March 24, 2025. The couple, who tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in January 2023, shared the joyous news on social media with a heartfelt post.
Rahul, currently part of the Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2025, was absent from his team’s opening match against Lucknow Super Giants to be by Athiya’s side for the birth of their daughter. His absence was noted during the toss, with Axar Patel, the team’s captain for the season, confirming Rahul’s unavailability for the match.
Athiya and Rahul first met in 2019 through mutual friends, and their relationship quickly blossomed. Their wedding at Suniel Shetty’s Khandala farmhouse was a private affair, attended by close friends and family. In November 2024, they announced their pregnancy, and now, their little one has arrived, bringing immense joy to their families and fans.
The announcement was met with an overwhelming response from both the Bollywood and cricket communities. Several celebrities, including Kriti Sanon, Kiara Advani, Arjun Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, and Malaika Arora, took to social media to congratulate the couple. Fans and well-wishers flooded their posts with love and blessings for the new parents and their baby girl.
Despite his IPL commitments, Rahul prioritised his family, choosing to be present for his daughter’s birth. It remains uncertain when he will return to the tournament, but his absence has only added to the anticipation of his comeback.
Athiya, daughter of Bollywood veteran Suniel Shetty, has largely stayed away from films in recent years, focusing on personal life. With this new addition to their family, fans are eager to see how both Rahul and Athiya balance their professional and personal journeys.
As the couple embarks on this new phase, the excitement among their supporters continues to grow, making this a moment of celebration for both Bollywood and cricket fans alike.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.