Suniel Shetty Breaks Silence on Ahan's Film Absence and Industry Practices
Following Ahan Shetty's return to the big screen with the war drama Border 2, veteran actor Suniel Shetty has finally addressed persistent rumors surrounding his son's prolonged absence from films after his debut in Tadap in 2021. In a candid and revealing interview, Suniel delved into critical industry issues, including entourage expenses, actor fees, and the unfair targeting of Ahan amid speculation about Sajid Nadiadwala's shelved project Sanki.
Advocating for Partnership Over Premium Fees
Sharing his comprehensive perspective on actors demanding high fees, Suniel told Lehren Retro, "They are asking for more, I agree, but they are taking what they have a right to, because significant recovery also occurs." He elaborated that the financial calculations and spreadsheets often justify these numbers. "My point is that you should charge that amount, but join the film as a partner. Take a share," he asserted, emphasizing that filmmaking is a collective endeavor where actors should be equally invested.
He highlighted that multiple factors contribute to a film's theatrical success, including timing, marketing, quality, and artist combinations. "You should become a partner so that you are also involved and can participate in the financial planning," Suniel added, promoting a model of shared responsibility and investment.
Dismissing Rumors of Excessive Entourage Costs
Reacting strongly to rumors that Ahan was dropped from Sanki due to inflated entourage expenses, Suniel dismissed these claims unequivocally. "Ahan has never gone overboard with his entourage. These are all baseless rumors. This gossip was circulated solely for the producer's convenience," he stated firmly.
Taking a protective stance as a father, Suniel challenged the allegations, saying, "If the producer claims he can produce a bill as evidence, then I will review it. That is when the father steps in, very clearly. Do not spread lies to conceal your weaknesses, because it is profoundly unfair to Ahan."
Emphasizing Financial Responsibility On-Set
Suniel further explained that both he and Ahan are exceptionally cautious about on-set expenditures. "Unfortunately, this reflects the current state of the film industry. Ahan is extremely careful with his entourage. If it involves his personal staff, he will cover the costs himself. He is fully aware of this responsibility," he noted.
Drawing from his own disciplined approach, Suniel revealed strict instructions given to his team. "When I bring my own food and water from home, my staff has explicit orders: if you consume the unit's provided meals, that is acceptable. However, if you order from external sources, the bill must be under my name, not the producer's."
He added with conviction, "My staff would not dare to act otherwise, so Ahan's staff certainly would not engage in such practices."
Putting Speculation to Rest: Ahan's Professional Conduct
To quell all lingering speculation, Suniel emphasized that Ahan is still establishing himself in the competitive industry. "Ahan has just arrived; this is his period of settling into the film world, so there are absolutely no tantrums. It is simply not possible," he declared.
For context, Ahan Shetty was initially cast opposite Pooja Hegde in a high-budget action thriller produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, scheduled for a 2025 release. The project was subsequently put on hold, reportedly due to escalating production costs and challenging market conditions, fueling the rumors that Suniel has now decisively addressed.
