When KL Rahul called Athiya Shetty his ‘safe space’

Cricketer KL Rahul and actress Athiya Shetty have always kept their relationship mostly low-key, but when they do speak about each other, it’s nothing short of heartwarming. Their love story has been one of quiet strength, mutual support, and sweet milestones, right from their early days as friends to now becoming proud parents.
‘She’s my safe space’
In a heartfelt 2024 interview with entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, KL Rahul spoke about how much Athiya has influenced his life and mindset. He didn’t hold back when expressing what her presence means to him.
“No one can take the place of your partner. Having someone to go back home to who loves me, cares for me, regardless of my performance or what the people outside are saying, she’s my safe space, she’s my escape, she’s a lot of things. She keeps me grounded. Very lucky and very grateful. Just in general, I think relationships help you stay a lot more focused,” Rahul shared.

A calmer mind, thanks to Athiya
KL also admitted that he’s noticed big changes in himself since being with Athiya. Speaking honestly, he said, “I have been out of relationships and I played before I dated Athiya. I was single for a long time. I can confidently say that my mind would waver a lot more than it does now.” He went on to say that having stability in his personal life makes a “massive” difference in his performance.
A new chapter: Welcoming baby Evaarah
On 24 March 2025, KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty stepped into a whole new phase of life—parenthood. The couple welcomed a baby girl and announced her name a few weeks later in the sweetest way possible.
They revealed the name on Rahul’s birthday through a joint Instagram post. Alongside a touching black-and-white picture of their little family, they wrote, “Our baby girl, our everything. Evaarah/ इवारा ~ Gift of God .”
Fans instantly fell in love with the name and the adorable reveal. But there was even more emotion to come, as Athiya later explained the meaning behind it in her Instagram Stories.“Evaarah, V R, meaning Gift of God; Vipula in honour of her great nani and protector; Rahul, her papa,” she wrote.