The Shetty home is glowing brighter than ever this Diwali — and it’s not just because of the diyas. The family is celebrating their first festive season with its newest and tiniest member, cricketer KL Rahul and former actor Athiya Shetty’s daughter, Evaarah. For actor Ahan Shetty, being a mamu has made the festival “ten times more special.” “For me, the festive season is about spending time with family and close friends. Unfortunately, the last two years I wasn’t in Mumbai as I was travelling, but this year is very special because we will be celebrating with my niece as well. This is her first Diwali, so it will be a special one,” Ahan shared with Hindustan Times, adding, “There’s a lot more excitement because there are going to be many firsts. Unfortunately, Rahul is in Australia for India’s tour, but the rest of the family will be together.”
‘She’s the brightest light this Diwali’
For Ahan, baby Evaarah has already become the heart of every celebration. “She has brought so much love and happiness. We already had that as a family, but it’s just a lot more now with her in our lives,” he said. Talking about what kind of mamu he plans to be, Ahan revealed, “I’ll be a bit of both. I’ll pamper her for sure, but when it comes down to teaching her something, I won’t be a typical strict mamu — just a bit serious when I need to be.”
A new side of Athiya
Fatherhood might have transformed KL Rahul, but Ahan admits that motherhood has brought out a whole new side to his sister Athiya. “I definitely see a different side to Athiya now. She’s so hands-on with Evaarah — nurturing and caring. Growing up, she was like my second mother, but now to see her with her own child, I feel so proud. Also, in a way, I’m kind of happy that the attention has shifted from me to Evaarah,” he joked.
Athiya and Rahul welcomed their baby girl on March 24 this year. The cricketer later shared a heartwarming post with Athiya and their newborn, revealing that Evaarah means ‘Gift of God.’
What’s next for Ahan
On the work front, Ahan, who made his debut with Tadap (2021), will next be seen in JP Dutta’s Border 2 alongside Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh. He is also gearing up to collaborate with Bunty Aur Babli director Shaad Ali for an upcoming project.
