Before making a name for himself in Bollywood, Suniel Shetty: dreams of becoming a cricketer. An ardent sports enthusiast, the actor never imagined that years later, his daughter Athiya Shetty: will marry Indian cricketer KL Rahul. The couple married in 2023 and are now parents to a daughter, Evaarah Vipula, who was born last year.Recalling his first meeting with Rahul, Suniel revealed that he met the cricketer before he became part of the family, and at that time, he was just an admirer.“It was a fanboy moment. I met him as a fan much, much before they met each other. Until now, that’s how I look at him — somebody who’s very well-spoken, soft, humble, and leaves a great impact on the youth whenever and wherever he plays,” said the actor.Speaking to Mid-Day, Suniel shared that he does not give career advice to KL Rahul, just like he avoids doing it to his actor son. Ahan Shetty. Instead, conversations at home focus on values ​​rather than professions.“I don’t give advice to my two boys. Like I said, we don’t talk about careers at home; we talk about character. We keep it, very simple,” he said.Despite his lifelong love of cricket and his close relationship with the sport through Rahul, Suniel admits that he has never been a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) boom. Reflecting on the early days of the league, he said he could afford to own a franchise but lacked the support and ecosystem that entrepreneurs have today.“I could have bought a team. If someone would support me, maybe I would join it. Nowadays, you have funders, VCs (Venture Capitalists), and investors who are willing to invest in you. Back then, it wasn’t like this. We didn’t think of spending so much money,” he confessed.The actor also reflected on: Shah Rukh KhanThe successful entry of the IPL by the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise, which was bought for Rs 570 crore. He credits Shah Rukh’s timing and support system, including long-time collaborators Juhi Chawla and her husband, businessman Jay Mehta.“Shah Rukh was in the right place at the right time, and with the right people. And me, being an introvert, I… like I said, Shah Rukh was in a better place,” admits Suniel.Praising his Main Hoon Na co-star, he added, “I have always believed that Shah Rukh is an absolute visionary. Whatever he has done in life, he has done it beautifully.”Suniel Shetty was last seen in: Ahmed KhanWelcome to the Jungle’s adventure comedy.