Athiya Shetty Bids Adieu to Bollywood, Father Suniel Shetty Confirms Focus on Motherhood

In a surprising revelation, veteran actor Suniel Shetty has confirmed that his daughter, Athiya Shetty, has decided to step away from the Hindi film industry. The news comes after Athiya, who made her debut in 2015, has been largely absent from the silver screen since her last film in 2019. Suniel Shetty expressed immense pride in his daughter’s decision, highlighting her choice to prioritize motherhood and a private life.

Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Suniel Shetty shared the conversation he had with Athiya regarding her career path. “She said, ‘Baba, I don’t want to,’ and she just left,” he recounted, adding, “And that’s what I salute her for, saying, ‘I’m not interested. I don’t want to do films.’ After Motichoor Chaknachoor, a lot came her way, but she said, ‘I don’t want to. I’m comfortable, you know?'”

Athiya’s Bollywood journey began with Hero (2015), a romantic action film produced by Salman Khan, where she starred opposite Sooraj Pancholi. She later appeared in Anees Bazmee’s romantic comedy Mubarakan (2017) and was last seen in Motichoor Chaknachoor (2019) opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Despite a relatively brief filmography, Athiya had garnered attention for her graceful screen presence.

Suniel Shetty further emphasized that Athiya is currently embracing what he believes is the “best role of her life” – that of a mother. Athiya Shetty married Indian cricketer KL Rahul in January 2023, and the couple recently welcomed their daughter, Evaarah, on March 24, 2025. Suniel Shetty lauded Athiya for fully immersing herself in this new chapter, stating, “Today, she’s got the best role of her life. You know, she’s working in the best film, and that is the life — the role of a mother — and she’s loving it.”

The announcement has garnered significant attention, with many commending Athiya for making a conscious choice to prioritize her personal life and family over a demanding acting career. Her decision underscores a growing trend among some celebrities to seek fulfillment outside the constant glare of the entertainment industry, opting instead for a more grounded and private existence.