KL Rahul is celebrated for his balance—silky cover drives on the field and a grounded family life off it. Behind the India star stands a quietly inspiring home team: his father, Dr. K. N. Lokesh, a lifelong academic; his mother, Prof. Rajeshwari; and, through marriage to Athiya Shetty, a father-in-law who’s a Bollywood icon, Suniel Shetty. This piece looks beyond the scorecards to trace the people and values that shaped Rahul’s journey—from an academic household in Karnataka to the bright lights of international cricket and a film family that now cheers him on.
Quick Facts (at a glance)
- KL Rahul father name: Dr. K. N. Lokesh — senior academic linked with NITK Surathkal.
- KL Rahul mother: Prof. Rajeshwari — History professor from Mangaluru.
- KL Rahul father-in-law (KL Rahul wife father name): Suniel Shetty — Bollywood actor & entrepreneur.
- Marriage: Rahul married Athiya Shetty on January 23, 2023 at Suniel Shetty’s Khandala farmhouse.
- Daughter: Evaarah Vipula Rahul, born March 24, 2025; “Evaarah” means “Gift of God,” “Vipula” honours Athiya’s late nani.
Dr. K. N. Lokesh — The Father of KL Rahul
Who is he?:
Dr. K. N. Lokesh is a well-known academic from National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, long associated with its Civil Engineering department (including HOD stints), and widely referenced as former Director/administrative leader in institute and media profiles.
Academic profile & roles:
Open-source CVs and institute/press references show a decades-long career in engineering education and student welfare at NITK, including leadership positions.
Rahul’s name story (the Gavaskar mix-up):
Dr. Lokesh, a Sunil Gavaskar super-fan, wanted to name his son after Gavaskar’s son—but misheard Rohan as Rahul. Rahul has confirmed this on Breakfast with Champions.
Mother & home ethos:
Rahul’s mother, Prof. Rajeshwari, is a History professor from Mangaluru—she famously kept academics front-and-centre even after her son’s rise.
Suniel Shetty — KL Rahul’s Father-in-Law
Who is he?:
Suniel Shetty, Rahul’s father-in-law, is a celebrated Bollywood actor (“Mohra”, “Border”, “Hera Pheri”) who also fronts modern streaming projects like Hunter: Tootega Nahi Todega (2023).
Entrepreneur & investor:
Beyond films, Suniel is involved in business ventures including S2 Realty & Developers and production outfits linked with Popcorn Motion Pictures/Movies.
What he says about Rahul:
Shetty often praises Rahul’s focus and humility—saying he even “manifested” having Rahul as a son-in-law and calls him an “inspiration.”
Mana Shetty — Rahul’s Mother-in-Law (and business force)
Background & family:
Athiya’s mother Mana (Monisha) Shetty is a designer-entrepreneur. She’s the daughter of renowned architect I. M. Kadri and social worker Vipula Kadri.
Ventures:
Mana runs the fashion label With Love, Mana and curates Mumbai’s luxe interiors store R-House; the family also operates S2 Realty.
Rahul & Athiya: Wedding and Baby
- Wedding: The couple tied the knot on Jan 23, 2023 in Khandala; Suniel confirmed the intimate ceremony and said the reception would follow after the IPL.
- Baby girl: On Mar 24, 2025, they welcomed Evaarah Vipula Rahul. On Rahul’s birthday (Apr 18, 2025), Athiya revealed the meaning & full name on Instagram. Rahul later spoke about shortlisting the name.
Bonus: Was Rahul named after a “famous cricketer”?
Fans often ask: “which famous cricketer was KL Rahul named after?” / “which famous cricketer was KL Rahul named after?” / “which famous cricketer was named after KL Rahul”
Answer: The intention was Sunil Gavaskar’s son—Rohan Gavaskar—but Rahul’s dad misheard Rohan as Rahul. (Rohan played 11 ODIs for India; a left-hand middle-order bat who bowled left-arm orthodox.)
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q. What is the full name of KL Rahul’s father?
Dr. Kannanur (Kannaur) Nagaraj Lokesh, widely referenced as K. N. Lokesh.
Q. What does KL Rahul’s father do?
A senior academic linked with NITK Surathkal’s Civil Engineering department and institute leadership roles.
Q. Who is KL Rahul’s father-in-law?
Suniel Shetty—film star and entrepreneur; Rahul married Athiya Shetty in 2023.
Q. What’s the story behind Rahul’s name?
His dad meant to name him after Rohan Gavaskar (Sunil Gavaskar’s son) but wrote Rahul by mistake—Rahul himself has confirmed this.
Q. KL Rahul’s daughter’s name and meaning?
Evaarah Vipula Rahul — “Evaarah” = “Gift of God”; “Vipula” honours Athiya’s nani. Born Mar 24, 2025.
From the lecture halls of Karnataka to the lights of Bollywood, KL Rahul’s story is stitched together by two steady pillars—Dr. K. N. Lokesh and Suniel Shetty. This feature is curated by the Jeetwin Sports Editorial Team, where you can read the latest sports updates, sharp match analysis, player features, and family backstories that bring Indian sport to life.
