Suniel Shetty has opened up about his bond with son-in-law and Indian cricketer KL Rahul, revealing that he 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 never bought an IPL team, despite being a passionate sports enthusiast, and praised Shah Rukh Khan for his vision in investing in the league early.
Suniel Shetty on meeting KL Rahul
Suniel revealed that his first interaction with KL Rahul had nothing to do with family ties.“It was a fanboy moment. I met him as a fan much, much before they met each other. To this day, that’s how I look at him—somebody who’s very well-spoken, soft, humble, and leaves a huge impact on the youth 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 discuss character, not careers’
The actor said he doesn’t interfere in Rahul’s cricket career, just as he avoids giving career advice to his son, actor Ahan Shetty.“I don’t give advice to both my boys. Like I say, we don’t discuss careers at home; we discuss character. We keep it very, very simple,” Suniel shared.
Suniel Shetty says he could have bought an IPL team
Despite being an avid sports lover and once dreaming of becoming a cricketer himself, Suniel admitted he stayed away from the Indian Premier League (IPL) when the tournament began in 2008.Looking back, he believes he could have owned a franchise if the funding ecosystem had been different.“I could’ve bought a team. If somebody would’ve backed me, I probably would’ve gone into it. In today’s time, you have funders, VCs and investors who are keen to invest with you. Back then, it wasn’t that way. We couldn’t even think of spending so much money,” he said.
Suniel Shetty praises Shah Rukh Khan’s vision
Suniel also spoke about Shah Rukh Khan, who purchased the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise 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 me, being an introvert, I was… like I said, Shah Rukh was in a better place,” he said.Calling Shah Rukh a visionary, Suniel added, “I always believed Shah Rukh is an absolute visionary. Whatever he’s done in life, he’s done it so beautifully.”Suniel Shetty was last seen in Ahmed Khan’s adventure comedy Welcome to the Jungle.
