Dayanand Shetty Biography: Movies, TV Shows, Wife, Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Parents, Siblings, Height

Dayanand Chandrashekhar Shetty, popularly known as Daya Shetty, is an Indian actor and model recognized for his work in film and television.

He is best known for portraying Senior Inspector Daya in the long-running TV series CID (1998–2018, 2024–present). Shetty has also featured in films such as Johnny Gaddaar (2007), Singham Returns (2014), and Singham Again (2024).

Profile

• Full Name: Dayanand Chandrashekhar Shetty
• Stage Name: Dayanand Shetty
• Born: 11, December 1969
• Age: 55 years old
• Birthplace: Karnataka, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 1.88m
• Parent: Chandra Prakash Shetty and Uma Shetty
• Siblings: Naina Shetty and Sandhya Shetty
• Spouse: Smitha Shetty
• Children: Viva Shetty
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life And Education

Dayanand Chandrashekhar Shetty was born on December 11, 1969, in Karnataka, India, to parents Chandra Prakash Shetty and Uma Shetty. He grew up alongside his two sisters, Naina Shetty and Sandhya Shetty, in a close-knit family rooted in traditional values.

After completing his early education, he moved to Mumbai, where he pursued and earned a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from Rizvi College in Bandra. He is of Indian ethnicity and practices Hinduism as his religion.

Career

Dayanand Shetty began his professional journey as a promising sportsman, excelling in shot put and discus throw, and was crowned Maharashtra’s discus throw champion in 1996.

However, a leg injury brought his athletic career to an abrupt end, leading him to explore the world of acting. He found his footing on the stage, where his talent quickly stood out—earning him the Best Actor award for his role in the Tulu play Secret.

His breakthrough in television came in 1998 when he was cast as Senior Inspector Daya in the iconic crime series CID, a role that would go on to define his career and make him a beloved figure in Indian households.

Shetty‘s portrayal of the tough yet endearing Inspector Daya in CID spanned over two decades, making him synonymous with the show itself. His powerful presence, memorable catchphrase “Daya, darwaza tod do” (Daya, break the door), and strong on-screen chemistry with co-stars Shivaji Satam and Aditya Srivastava became central to the show’s enduring popularity.

The phrase even found its way into pop culture references and Bollywood films like Singham Returns and Singham Again.

Beyond his acting contributions, Shetty also wrote episodes for CID, showcasing his creative depth and commitment to the series. Though he was often typecast due to the long-running role, he wore the badge with pride, recognizing the cultural impact of his character.

Outside of CID, Dayanand Shetty explored a variety of roles in film and television. He appeared in movies such as Johnny Gaddaar, Singham Returns, and Govinda Naam Mera, and took on hosting duties for crime-based shows like Savdhaan India F.I.R.. His adventurous side was on display when he participated in the reality show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, further broadening his reach with audiences.

In recognition of his significant contribution to Indian television and his lasting impact on the industry, Shetty was inducted into the Gold Awards Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing his legacy as a multifaceted entertainer.

Social Media

Instagram handle: @dayanandshetty_official

Personal Life

Dayanand Shetty is happily married to Smitha Shetty, and together they share a daughter named Viva Shetty. Over the years, he has maintained a relatively private family life, choosing to keep his personal affairs away from the spotlight.

At one point, rumors surfaced linking him romantically to his CID co-star Mona Ambegaonkar, which drew considerable media attention. However, Shetty promptly addressed the speculation, clarifying that he was already married to Smitha during that period and firmly dismissed the rumors as unfounded.

Filmography

• Diljale (1996) – Gunman
• Johnny Gaddaar (2007) – Shiva
• Runway (2009) – Police Inspector
• Singham Returns (2014) – Sr. Inspector Daya
• Boss Pappu Pass Thai Gayo (2014) – Cast
• Yaan Superstar (2023) – Bala Krishna (Tulu film)
• Singham Again (2024) – ACP Daya
• Jaat (2025) – Upcoming

Net Worth

Dayanand Shetty‘s net worth is estimated to be approximately $2 million. His main sources of income come from his acting career, particularly his iconic role in CID, as well as brand endorsements and paid promotions.