On April 18, 2025, Indian cricketer KL Rahul and Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty did something rare in the age of curated fame: they shared a quiet, intimate moment that felt genuinely human. With a single Instagram post at 12:15 PM IST, they revealed the name of their newborn daughter—Evaarah Vipula Rahul—and her first photograph, coinciding with Rahul’s 33rd birthday. The image showed Rahul cradling the baby, Shetty standing beside him, both in soft neutrals, with a single lit candle on a blue cake behind them reading, "Happy birthday Papa, we love you!" No filters. No staging. Just joy, raw and real.
The Name Behind the Moment
The name Evaarah—written in Devanagari as इवारा—wasn’t chosen lightly. In Athiya’s caption, she called it "Gift of God," grounding the choice in Sanskrit tradition. It’s not a trending name, not a celebrity mashup, not even a phonetic twist on a Western name. It’s deliberate. Spiritual. And for a couple who’ve faced the chaos of public scrutiny, it felt like a quiet rebellion against noise. The middle name, Vipula, meaning "abundant" or "plentiful" in Sanskrit, completes the sentiment: a child who arrived early, unexpectedly, and yet, somehow, perfectly.A Premature Arrival, A Public Storm
Evaarah came into the world on March 24, 2025, at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai, weeks before her April 2025 due date. The couple had announced their pregnancy on November 8, 2024, with a minimalist post featuring an evil-eye emoticon and baby feet emojis—a subtle nod to protection and new beginnings. But the world didn’t wait for their timeline. On March 25, an AI-generated photo of the newborn flooded Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter. It showed a baby in a hospital bassinet, surrounded by flowers and medical equipment. The details were eerily accurate: the lighting, the blanket pattern, even the hospital logo in the background. Over 12,000 accounts shared it within 48 hours. Then came the correction. "The hospital photo circulating online is 100% AI-generated and fake," stated PM Communications Agency, KL Rahul’s social media team, in a public statement on March 26. "We request media to respect our privacy during this sacred time." The Cyber Peace Foundation confirmed the image was synthesized using GAN technology, likely trained on thousands of celebrity baby photos. It was a chilling reminder of how digital deception can invade even the most personal milestones.Family, Legacy, and Quiet Joy
At the center of this story isn’t just a celebrity baby—it’s a family. Athiya’s father, veteran actor and producer Suniel Shetty, didn’t just host their January 23, 2023, wedding at his Khandala farmhouse. He became a grandfather on March 24, 2025. And on April 5, he posted a rare, reflective message on LinkedIn: > "It’s funny how life works... You spend years chasing things you think will make you happy. But you know what I’ve learned? That real joy mainly comes from the simplest of things. Becoming a grandfather recently is a feeling I can’t even describe. It’s a happiness that’s pure and untouched by anything the world can give or take away." His words, unpolished and heartfelt, stood in stark contrast to the glossy noise surrounding the baby’s birth. He didn’t mention Evaarah’s name. He didn’t share a photo. He simply let the emotion speak.Life Behind the Luxury
The couple lives in a ₹120 crore penthouse at The Imperial Towers in Tardeo, Mumbai—a symbol of their success. Rahul, who’s played 113 international matches since his 2014 debut, is a pillar of India’s cricket team and captain of Punjab Kings in the IPL. Athiya, daughter of Pooja Entertainment founder Suniel Shetty, has starred in seven films since her 2015 debut. Their wedding cost ₹15 crore, mostly on decor and catering by Sequel Events. Yet, in the photo of Evaarah, none of that mattered. No logos. No brands. Just a father holding his daughter, a mother smiling softly, and a candle flickering in the background.What’s Next?
The official Naamkaran ceremony—the traditional Hindu naming ritual—is scheduled for May 15, 2025, at the ISKCON Temple in Juhu, Mumbai, according to family sources confirmed by Hindustan Times. It will be attended by close relatives, with no media access. For a couple who’ve weathered the storm of digital intrusion, this is their reclaiming of sacred space.Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Evaarah mean, and why is it significant?
Evaarah, written in Devanagari as इवारा, is derived from Sanskrit roots meaning "Gift of God." The name carries spiritual weight, chosen to reflect the couple’s gratitude for their daughter’s arrival, especially after a premature birth. The middle name Vipula, meaning "abundant," completes the sentiment, suggesting a life rich in love and blessing. This isn’t a trendy name—it’s a personal, culturally rooted choice.
How did the AI-generated baby photo spread so quickly?
The fake photo, circulated between March 25–27, 2025, was synthesized using advanced GAN technology trained on thousands of celebrity baby images. It included accurate details like hospital lighting and blanket textures, making it believable. Over 12,000 social media accounts shared it before Instagram’s AI system flagged it as misinformation. The incident highlights how easily deepfakes can exploit emotional moments in celebrity culture.
Why did KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty wait until his birthday to reveal the name?
The delay was intentional. After the trauma of the AI photo leak, the couple needed time to settle into parenthood privately. Revealing Evaarah’s name on Rahul’s birthday turned a personal milestone into a shared celebration of family. It was a quiet act of reclaiming control—choosing when, where, and how to share their joy, rather than letting the internet dictate it.
What role did Suniel Shetty play in this story?
As Athiya’s father and a veteran of Bollywood, Suniel Shetty hosted their wedding and became a grandfather in March 2025. His LinkedIn post on April 5 offered rare emotional transparency, reflecting on how grandfatherhood brought him deeper joy than decades of professional success. His words gave the story a human anchor beyond celebrity headlines, reminding people that behind the glamour is a family, just like any other.
Will the baby be in the public eye like her parents?
The family has made it clear they intend to protect Evaarah’s privacy. The Naamkaran ceremony on May 15 will be closed to media, and no further official photos are planned for public release. Unlike many celebrity children, she won’t be a brand asset. Her parents, having experienced digital intrusion firsthand, are determined to give her a childhood free from viral moments.
How does this compare to other celebrity baby reveals in India?
Most celebrity baby reveals in India are highly stylized—think Instagram filters, themed backdrops, and branded announcements. What sets Evaarah’s reveal apart is its simplicity. No product placements. No influencer collabs. Just a candle, a cake, and a father holding his daughter. It echoes the quiet dignity of older generations, making it feel more like a family moment than a media event.
Rohit Chaturvedi
I am Rohit Chaturvedi, a seasoned journalist and content creator with expertise in news, small business, sports, and travel. My passion lies in sharing stories from the rich and diverse Indian landscape, covering everything from local news to cultural insights. As a well-traveled writer, I enjoy exploring unique perspectives on Indian life, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the people and places I encounter. I take great pride in bringing authentic and engaging narratives to my readers, fostering a deeper understanding of the incredible tapestry that is India.
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