Suniel Shetty: has opened up about her relationship with son-in-law and Indian cricketer KL Rahul, revealing that she first met the star batter as an admirer long before Rahul and Athiya Shetty fell in love.Speaking in a recent interview with Mid-Day, Suniel also reflected on why he was unable to buy an IPL team, despite being an avid sports fan, and praised Shah Rukh Khan for his foresight in investing in the league early on.
Suniel Shetty on meeting KL Rahul
Suniel revealed that his first interaction with KL Rahul had nothing to do with family relations.“It was a fanboy moment. I met him as a fan, even before they met each other. Until now, that’s how I see him-a person who is very well-spoken, gentle, humble, and leaves a great impact on young people whenever and wherever he plays,” he said.KL Rahul married Suniel’s daughter, actor Athiya Shetty, in 2023. The couple are now parents to their daughter, Evaarah Vipula.
“We talk about character, not careers”
The actor said that he did not interfere in Rahul’s cricket career, like he avoided giving career advice to his son Ahan Shetty.“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,” shared Suniel.
Suniel Shetty says he would have bought an IPL team
Despite being an avid sports lover and once dreaming of becoming a cricketer himself, Suniel admits that he stayed away from the Indian Premier League (IPL) when the tournament started in 2008.In retrospect, he believes he could have owned a franchise if the funding ecosystem had been different.“I could buy a team. If someone supports me, I might be included. Nowadays, you have funders, VCs and investors who like to invest in you. Back then, it wasn’t like this. We didn’t think of spending so much money,” he said.
Suniel Shetty praises Shah Rukh Khan’s vision
Suniel also spoke about Shah Rukh Khan, who bought the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise along with Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta during the inaugural IPL season.“Shah Rukh was at the right place at the right time, and with the right people. And I, being an introvert, I… like I said, Shah Rukh is in a better place,” he said.Calling Shah Rukh a visionary, Suniel 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 Khan’s adventure comedy Welcome to the Jungle.
