A family-first celebration marked by an 'Ajja' cake
Suniel Shetty turned 64 with a birthday that felt less like a starry bash and more like a heartfelt family moment. The actor chose to spotlight one image on Instagram: a cake iced with the words 'Happy Birthday Ajja'—a term for grandfather used in coastal Karnataka and Tulu households, a nod to his roots. His caption said it all: 'My most precious, from my most precious!!'
For the Shettys, this was a milestone year. It was his first birthday as a grandfather to Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul's daughter, Evaarah, now four months old. Instead of the usual red carpet photos or gym-shot reels, the focus stayed on the new arrival, the cake, and the sentiment—quiet, intimate, and unmistakably personal.
Athiya posted a tender photo of her father cradling the baby and wrote, 'Happy birthday to the best father and now the best Ajja. We love you sooo much! Thank you for all that you are.' She added a collage with a childhood throwback and a picture from her Haldi ceremony, pulling a warm thread through decades of family memories. Ahan Shetty kept it simple too—grateful, proud, and very much his father's son.
KL Rahul, who rarely writes long captions, kept it light and direct: 'Happy happy birthday Ajja @suniel.shetty keep inspiring us with everything you do. And pls rest more.' It read like an inside-family reminder—part affection, part gentle nudge to slow down.
Friends from the film industry chimed in with their own flavors. Jackie Shroff, in classic style, called him 'Asli Bhidu Forever'—a line only he can land with that easy swagger. Shilpa Shetty, his co-star from the 2000 hit Dhadkan, sent an exuberant wish packed with good energy and health. The tone across the board was consistent: respect for a steady, grounded figure who has stayed relevant without chasing trends.
That 'Ajja' on the cake carried extra weight. Suniel Shetty's Mangaluru roots are well known, and the term is more than just a nickname—it’s a cultural bridge. For a star who built his image on action leads and a gym-hardened routine, the shift to celebrating grandfatherhood says plenty about the phase he’s in and the values he’s foregrounding.
The family-first script also matches how fans see him today: a disciplined actor, a hands-on parent, and now a doting grandfather. The posts avoided spectacle and stuck to what mattered—gratitude, continuity, and a new chapter defined by a tiny new family member.
From action hero to steady hand—and now grandfather
Across three decades, Suniel Shetty has worn many hats: action mainstay of the 90s, romantic lead in films like Dhadkan, ensemble player in Hera Pheri, and lately, the screen veteran who knows when to lean in and when to take a step back. Recent years have seen him dip into digital projects and mentorship roles, proving that staying power in Bollywood often comes from consistency and restraint.
That longevity also shows up off-screen. He’s built a parallel life in hospitality and fitness ventures, staying close to the wellness space that shaped his persona. KL Rahul’s playful 'pls rest more' message hints at a packed calendar, even as the actor eases into the grandparent stage.
Athiya’s post stitched together her father’s different roles—protector, guide, and now Ajja. The Haldi throwback in her collage wasn’t just nostalgia; it was a small reminder of how the family’s story has unfolded in public view without turning into a spectacle. Ahan’s note felt similarly grounded, reflecting how the Shetty kids tend to mirror their father’s steady tone rather than chase the outrage-and-viral economy.
Within the industry, the respect is earned, not performed. Jackie Shroff’s 'Asli Bhidu' label suits Shetty’s reputation: unpretentious, reliable, and generous with younger colleagues. Shilpa Shetty’s message leaned on health and abundance—fitting for someone who’s kept a disciplined lifestyle while gently expanding his screen choices.
This birthday also sits in a broader Bollywood moment where grandparenthood is no longer a private milestone. Stars like Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, and recently Anil Kapoor, have shown how the role can soften public personas without dimming star power. Shetty’s low-key 'Ajja' reveal sits comfortably in that trend—intimate enough to feel real, public enough to acknowledge the fandom that has watched his family grow.
On social media, the restraint stood out. No elaborate photo shoots or party reels, just that cake and a handful of posts. For a man who came up in the 90s when stardom was tightly guarded, the image of a simple family cake felt like a modern compromise—share a little, guard the rest.
Career-wise, he’s still in motion. After exploring streaming formats with gritty turns in recent years, he’s picked projects that don’t try to turn back time but use his age and presence smartly. That’s often a tougher path for action stars, but it’s one Shetty has embraced with clarity.
As the wishes wrapped up, one message defined the day: this was an Suniel Shetty birthday anchored in family, not fanfare. The headline image wasn’t a red carpet, it was a cake with a word that told you exactly where his heart is right now—Ajja.
