It was a chaotic rainy day in Mumbai and we had a shoot scheduled with our couple of the hour. We knew it was going to be a fabulous day as soon as KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty showed up on set. They were happy to be there, spending time with each other and didn’t even mind the makeshift tent we’d set up in the studio for quick changes because of the downpour. The vibe was fun and relaxed, with the couple bringing their easygoing charm to the shoot. We watched in admiration as they navigated the set with a laid-back confidence that only comes from being truly comfortable in your own skin.
Shetty, dressed in a sleek, monochrome fit, laughed as she confessed, “I always raid his closet. His style is impeccable, and I love incorporating pieces from his wardrobe into my own.” KL, being the fashion-forward sports star, nodded in agreement, adding, “She has an incredible sense of style herself, so it’s a mini ego boost when she borrows my clothes.” Between shots, they were never far from one another, KL often hanging around the set, watching his wife as she posed solo, and Shetty doing the same for him. It was clear they relish the moments they get to spend together, especially given how often their careers keep them apart. Every shared moment seemed special because they genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
As we sat down, the first thing I had to ask was about their distinct upbringing. While KL grew up in Mangalore and maybe experienced a bit of the quiet life, Shetty was not just right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, but also growing up exposed to Bollywood. She was quick to point out the coincidence that her hometown and his in Mangalore were not very far apart. “When we went back after the wedding, he showed me where he went to school and the pond where he and his friends would jump in after school. It was fascinating to experience Mangalore through his eyes, seeing his favourite ice cream spots and hearing about the little things that brought him joy. Even though we come from different backgrounds, our shared simplicity and family values have forged a strong connection between us.”
KL loved everything about growing up in Mangalore, “It shaped who I am and helped me focus on cricket, with little distraction. My experiences there—playing sports on the beach, and developing physical strength—have influenced my journey as a cricketer. Sharing this part of my life with Athiya and seeing her appreciate it has been special.” Shetty interjects here, “I love that his favourite ice cream in the whole world is Gadbad—a Mangalore special. We can travel all over the world and experience the most interesting cuisines and he will still love gadbad just a little bit more.”
Predictably, the conversation swiftly moved to fashion—Shetty admires her husband’s knack for discovering emerging designers before they hit the mainstream. “He has an innate sense of style and is always ahead with his fashion choices,” she shares. KL, in turn, acknowledges the impact of Shetty’s style on his own. “I’ve always enjoyed clothing and fashion, inspired by figures like David Beckham. Athiya and I share a similar easy-going style, and her influence on my fashion choices has been significant. Even though she doesn’t approve of my shopping habits, I always tell her that now I’m shopping for two. I know she secretly enjoys my shopping sprees.” I turn to Shetty to give us a realistic understanding of how her sense of style evolved into what it is today, “Fashion, to me, is about comfort and confidence. I don’t take it too seriously and wear what feels right for me. My fashion journey has been organic, inspired by my mom’s past work in fashion and my own preferences.” If given the chance to collaborate with a designer, Shetty would choose Anamika Khanna. “I love Anamika’s designs and her artistic vision. Her silhouettes and fabrics resonate with me, and I’d love to create a prêt collection with her.”
Beyond their public personas, the couple has a deep appreciation for art and home decor. “We love exploring art and interior design together. We often browse through design books, YouTube channels, and Pinterest boards, discussing new ideas and inspiration,” Shetty reveals. “I’ve always had an interest in home decor, having even dabbled in designing holiday homes in Goa. Travelling to galleries and different homes has become a cherished part of our relationship,” says KL.
Marriage has brought growth and new experiences to their lives. “One of the most beautiful aspects of our relationship is how we help each other grow,” KL reflects. “A standout moment for me was our longest holiday together after the IPL, where we could connect deeply without any external pressures.” Shetty highlights her husband’s influence on her personal growth. “His positive outlook, even during challenging times, has been incredibly inspiring. His determination through injuries has taught me a lot about strength and perseverance. Honestly, if I could learn one thing from him it would be his calmness, I really need that,” she laughs. I had to then ask him, how do I achieve this zen, and he revealed that mindfulness is a huge part of his life, “Mental health is vital, and I work with a mental coach to stay balanced and focused. Being aware of my emotions helps me stay calm and perform better. I have had a tough year rife with injuries and this along with Athiya’s resilience is what has kept me grounded”
Among their shared adventures, a trip to Spain stands out. Shetty recalls, “It was one of my favourite trips ever. Travelling to a new place and spending quality time together, free from everyday concerns, strengthened our bond significantly.” KL echoes this sentiment, noting how the trip to Spain allowed them to enjoy each other’s company without the usual distractions. “After dealing with injuries and frequent travels for physio, this trip was a refreshing change. It was wonderful to explore small towns and enjoy simple pleasures without being constantly noticed or interrupted.” They say almost together that while they love to travel, just spending time with each other at home and making the most of the time they have together is paramount. “I make it a point to come home to Athiya even if I have a two-day gap,” KL adds. “I just want to say that he posted this quote at some point and now it’s become almost a relationship philosophy, ‘Finding you was like coming home,’ I don’t think there’s anything that will describe us better than this quote,” she says with a smile.
In an era where social media often invades personal spaces, KL and Shetty remain committed to their privacy. She, a staunch advocate for keeping their relationship away from the public eye, explains, “I value my privacy and prefer to keep certain aspects of my life personal. Social media can be overwhelming and often negative, so I choose to stay away from it.” He concurs, acknowledging her influence on their approach to social media. “We try to keep our relationship as private as possible, which helps us maintain a sense of normalcy. Social media can be intrusive, so we use it selectively and don’t let it affect our relationship.” Shetty adds, “He is extremely unserious and is really good at compartmentalising, we don’t take anything personally or seriously.”
Moving into a couple of fun questions as they wrap up the shoot, I asked them to reveal a hidden talent the other person had. Shetty was quick with her response, “He is so good at imitating people. We will watch something or there will be a meme and he can just imitate them beautifully.” “I may be biased, but she sings really well. I love it when she’s humming and singing around the house,” KL adds.
Their story is one of balance and harmony, of making the most of their time together amidst their busy lives. As we wrapped up the shoot, the rain had stopped, leaving behind a fresh, vibrant atmosphere—much like the impression the couple left on me. They not just complement each other but also bring out the best in one another, both on and off the stage.
ELLE India Editor: Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Photographer: Sahil Behal, Fashion Director: Zoha Castelino, Asst. Art Director: Sanjana Suvarna, Hair and Makeup: Kritika Gill (Athiya), Imran Khan from Team Hakim’s Aalim and Simran Gidwani (KL Rahul), Cover Design: Sakshi Badani, Bookings Editor: Rishith Shetty, Assisted by: Komal Shetty (lead stylist), Vaishnavi Misra (styling), Khushi Nagpal (bookings), Production: Cut Loose Productions, Artists Management: Matrix Entertainment
Read the full story on ELLE India’s new issue, or download your digital copy via Magzter.
