Rahul Raj Singh: I feel blessed that Lord Shiva chose Mahashivratri for my daughter’s birth

Mata Ki Chowki actor Rahul Raj Singh has become a father for the second time. His wife, actress and entrepreneur Saloni Sharma, gave birth to a baby girl on February 15. The couple has named their daughter Jhanvi.

Sharing the news, Rahul says, “Jhanvi was born on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. We were expecting the delivery in the first week of March, but she arrived earlier on Mahashivratri, February 15. I truly feel blessed that Lord Shiva chose his own day to send her into our lives.”

However, her early arrival brought anxious moments for the family. Rahul recalls, “She was born premature and had to be kept in the NICU because she was critical. The doctors told us there was only a 50 per cent chance of survival. Hearing that as a parent is something I cannot explain in words. Those days were very difficult for us. Every minute felt long, and all we could do was pray and hope.”

He adds, “But she is a fighter. She faced everything with strength. After 12 days in the NICU, she finally came home yesterday. That moment felt like a blessing all over again, and our entire family is extremely grateful and happy.”

Explaining the meaning behind her name, Rahul shares, “Jhanvi means Goddess Ganga. I chose the name because Goddess Ganga flows through the hair of Lord Shiva. Shiva is also called Gangadhara. I feel her name’s association with him will guide and protect her throughout her journey in life. Har Har Mahadev.”

Now a father of two daughters, Rahul says the responsibility has strengthened his resolve. He says, “Ab bas kaam karna hai. Film industry mein bada naam banana hai. I am working hard to get fit again. It is the era of six packs, so I have worked on getting mine back. I have to be strong now, I am the father of two daughters. The responsibility is double. I will work even harder to fulfil my dreams for my family.”

The couple had welcomed their first daughter in January 2023. Speaking about embracing fatherhood for the second time, Rahul says, “As a father, I will love and care for both my daughters equally. This time, I feel I can be a more patient and understanding father because I have already learnt so much while raising my first daughter. Every child teaches you something new, and I am ready to grow with them.”