Actor Suniel Shetty is known not just for his powerful on-screen presence but also for being a candid and doting father. However, in a recent interaction, the veteran actor opened up about how his daughter, actress Athiya Shetty, wasn’t exactly thrilled with him after he made a public remark about her being born via a C-section. The light-hearted anecdote offers an honest glimpse into their father-daughter dynamic — one where mutual respect, love, and a few playful scoldings seem to be part of the package.
During a recent conversation, Suniel recalled how he once mentioned in an interview or public forum that Athiya was delivered through a Caesarean section. What he didn’t expect was a sharp reaction from his daughter once she found out. “Papa, why did you even talk about that?” she reportedly asked him, leaving him a little taken aback, but also amused by her reaction.
Shetty admitted that he spoke about the matter in a very casual tone, not expecting it to become a talking point or stir any kind of buzz. “For me, it was just a normal thing to say — it was part of our family story. But Athiya didn’t like that I brought it up publicly,” he said. “She was like, ‘That’s personal stuff, Papa!’”
Suniel, who has always been open about his close bond with his children, Athiya and Ahan, said he understood where Athiya was coming from. “She’s right, of course. Sometimes, as parents, we don’t realise that our children have their own sense of privacy and boundaries, especially now that they’re adults, public figures in their own right,” he explained.
He went on to say that he has always tried to be a father who allows his children space and respects their individuality, but every now and then, “the old-school dad in me” takes over. “We come from a time when we’d talk freely about family things. Now, even if it’s with love, you have to be more mindful, especially when your kids are in the public eye,” he added.
Athiya, who made her Bollywood debut with Hero and has since appeared in a few films and numerous campaigns, is known to be relatively private about her personal life. Despite being married to cricketer KL Rahul, she keeps a low profile and rarely speaks about her family in interviews. It’s no surprise then that her father’s comment, even if unintended, raised a few eyebrows — and triggered a gentle but firm response from her.
Suniel’s candid admission of being scolded by his daughter reflects a very relatable aspect of parenting — one where roles occasionally reverse, and the child becomes the one setting boundaries and offering life lessons. And the actor, known for his grounded persona, takes it all in stride, using the moment to reflect on how parenting evolves as children grow older.
The story has since gained attention online, with many fans appreciating the humorous and honest nature of the anecdote. Some praised Suniel for being so open about the incident, while others found Athiya’s reaction refreshingly relatable, especially in an age where celebrity families are constantly under the public microscope.
At the heart of it, the moment is a testament to the evolving dynamics between parents and children — even when they live under the spotlight. And in true Suniel Shetty fashion, he wrapped up the story with grace, humour, and humility, proving once again why he remains one of Bollywood’s most respected and beloved figures — both on and off the screen.
