Dayanand Chandrashekhar Shetty, born on December 11, 1969, is an Indian actor and model. He is best known for playing Senior Inspector Daya in the popular police show CID, which is the longest-running TV show in India. In 2018, he was inducted into the Gold Awards Hall of Fame.
Before becoming an actor, Shetty was a sportsman. He was injured while playing, which led him to pursue acting. He was a champion shot put and discus thrower in Maharashtra in 1996 and has won many awards in sports and theater. He received the Best Actor award for his performance in the Tulu play Secret.
Shetty auditioned for CID in 1998 and was chosen for the role of Senior Inspector Daya. He, along with Shivaji Satam and Aditya Srivastava, are the main characters on the show. Daya is known for his strength, and his catchphrase is, “Jab Daya ka hath padta hai, to muh ke andar daaton se piano bajne lagta hai,” which means, “When Daya slaps, then a piano plays in the mouth by the teeth.” Another famous line is when ACP Pradyuman tells him, “Daya darwaaza tod do,” meaning “Daya, break the door.” Although tough, Daya is also kind-hearted and always ready to help his teammates.
Shetty has appeared in many commercials, plays, and films, including Johnny Gaddaar, Runway, and Singham Returns. He was voted the “Best Looking Guy” by Indian Television in 2002 and participated in the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (Season 4).
He also showcased his singing talent in a CID episode aired on January 21, 2012, where he sang a lullaby with his co-stars. Shetty has made guest appearances on shows like Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin and Kkusum, and he acted in the silent comedy show Gutur Gu.
He participated in the fifth season of Khatron Ke Khiladi, where he performed various stunts but was eliminated. Shetty and Shivaji Satam were guests on the show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs for a special episode in 2011. In 2014, he appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati with his fellow CID actors. He won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in CID at the Gold Awards in 2012.
In 2024, Shetty and Srivastava teamed up for a travel and food-based YouTube show called Safarkhana