Actor Shivaleeka Oberoi and filmmaker Abhishek Pathak became parents for the first time on Sunday, April 19, as they welcomed a baby girl into their family.
The couple shared the joyful news on Instagram, with Shivaleeka posting a heartfelt announcement that described their daughter's arrival as "a blessing in its purest form." The timing added an extra layer of significance - April 19 holds auspicious meaning, and the couple did not miss the opportunity to acknowledge it, naming their daughter after Goddess Laxmi in their announcement.
The Announcement That Melted Hearts
Shivaleeka's Instagram post carried a warmth that needed no filter. The caption read that their little Goddess Laxmi had arrived on an auspicious day, and the accompanying message captured the emotion of first-time parenthood beautifully - "In a moment our hearts found a whole new meaning." The post confirmed the date of birth as April 19, 2026, and signed off with both their names as "blessed parents." Within hours, wishes from fans, colleagues, and friends began pouring in from across the film industry.
A Love Story That Began on Set
Shivaleeka and Abhishek's relationship has its roots in cinema. The two first crossed paths during the making of Khuda Haafiz in 2020, a film that Abhishek directed and in which Shivaleeka played a significant role. What began as a professional association grew into something far more personal. Abhishek proposed in Turkey, under hot air balloons, in what became one of Bollywood's more picturesque engagement stories. The couple then got married in February 2023 in Goa, in an intimate ceremony that reflected their preference for keeping personal milestones meaningful rather than grand.
Pregnancy Announced in December
The couple had given fans a heads-up in December 2025, when they announced Shivaleeka's pregnancy through an Instagram post, describing the incoming arrival as a "tiny blessing." The announcement was received with excitement, and Sunday's news of the birth brought that chapter to its happy conclusion. From the pregnancy reveal to the birth announcement, the couple handled every step with the same quiet grace that has characterised their public presence.
Their Respective Journeys in Film
Both Shivaleeka and Abhishek bring distinct and accomplished backgrounds to their life together. Abhishek has built a strong reputation as a filmmaker, having directed Drishyam 2 - one of the most successful sequels in recent Hindi cinema - as well as Ujda Chaman. On the production side, he has been behind projects like Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Section 375, and Khuda Haafiz, showcasing a range that spans commercial entertainers and socially relevant narratives alike.
Shivaleeka's journey is equally interesting. Before stepping in front of the camera, she worked behind it - serving as an assistant director on Kick in 2014 and Housefull 3 in 2016. She made her acting debut with Yeh Saali Aashiqui in 2019, and it was her performance in Khuda Haafiz the following year that brought her wider recognition. The irony of that film being both her professional breakthrough and the place where she met her future husband is not lost on those who follow their story.
A New Chapter Begins
With the arrival of their daughter on one of the year's more auspicious Sundays, Shivaleeka and Abhishek step into parenthood together - two people whose shared love for cinema brought them together, and who are now writing the most personal story of their lives. The name they have chosen, rooted in devotion and tradition, says everything about how they are choosing to welcome this new beginning.
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