‘Seeing my Amma hold her great-granddaughter…’: Suniel Shetty pens emotional note after becoming a grandfather; what true happiness really means | Feelings News

Suniel Shetty is on cloud nine after the birth of his granddaughter — Athiya Shetty and son-in-law KL Rahul’s ba girl. Sharing the same with the world, the new grandfather reflected on his childhood and wrote an emotional note about the indescribable feeling in a LinkedIn post.“It’s funny how life works. You spend years chasing things you think will make you happy. The right roles, the right deals, a larger office, more money, the perfect comeback, more recognition. More everything. 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,” wrote Suniel, 63.
According to him, it’s a “pure and untouched” happiness anything the world can give or take away.
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“I’ve spent decades building and running businesses, making films, trying to create something meaningful. And I’m proud of that. But when I hold my granddaughter, none of that matters. The race to have more kind of fades when you come to that point in life where you realise what truly matters,” added Suniel.
He continued, “And seeing my Amma hold her great-granddaughter in her arms is the kind of moment that is now a core memory. I’ll never get over the beauty of such moments.”
Off late, he’s admitted that his “mind keeps going back to my childhood in Mangalore”.
“The simplicity of those summers. Running around barefoot, playing in the open fields, eating the freshest meals made with nothing but love. The joy came from being with family, from nature, from laughter that didn’t cost a thing. Somewhere along the way, I got caught up in the chase. It happens to all of us at some stage in life,” reminisced the Hera Pheri actor.Story continues below this ad
But with age, as one gains more experience, “the clearer it becomes”. “It’s not about giving up ambition or working hard. It’s about understanding what truly brings you joy,” reflected Suniel.
Choose happiness (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
While mentioning that he remains “driven” and there’s still so much left to achieve, it’s just one part of me, stressed Suniel. “I operate with far more clarity now. I’m clear now about what’s closest to my heart. I’ve seen the weight of always wanting more. It can steal your peace, bit bit. You don’t even realise it’s happening until you pause and look around. Now, with this little one in my arms, seeing my Athiya transition into the most fulfilling role of her life, I find myself feeling lighter. More content,” said Suniel.
“It’s like a reminder from life, telling me to keep things simple. To cherish the everyday. To be free from the weight of wanting more. For me, that’s the luxury I’m truly grateful for,” shared Suniel.
True happiness emerges not from conquering external benchmarks but from cultivating inner harmony, “shifting focus from an achievement-oriented mindset to a presence-based experience”.Story continues below this ad
“It means developing the capacity to find joy in the process, appreciate personal growth, and maintain emotional equilibrium regardless of professional outcomes. The societal narrative that equates success with material wealth and status fundamentally misunderstands the nature of human happiness,” remarked Dr Chandni Tugnait, psychotherap, coach and healer, founder and director, Gateway of Healing.
According to Dr Tugnait, happiness is not a destination reached through relentless pursuit but a state of being cultivated through self-acceptance, meaningful connections where one can express gratitude, and finding contentment in the present moment. “The most profound success lies not in continuous achievement, but in the ability to create a life rich with meaningful experiences, genuine connections, and internal peace,” said Dr Tugnait.