Veteran Bollywood actor and fitness icon Suniel Shetty has revealed a principled stand that cost him a fortune, turning down a staggering Rs 40 crore offer to endorse a tobacco brand. In a candid conversation, Shetty, who recently embraced grandfatherhood, shared profound personal and professional insights, explaining how a family tragedy led to a long hiatus from films and the unique journey that brought him back.
A Calling Amidst Grief: The Return to Acting
Shetty disclosed that he had stepped away from the film industry for nearly five years to care for his ailing father, who passed away in 2017. The actor was in a state of deep personal loss and had "completely quit" acting. In a twist of fate, on the very morning of his father's demise, he received an offer to host a health show. He interpreted this as a divine sign. "I saw it as a calling, and then I went back to acting and took up a few South films," Shetty told Peeping Moon.
Returning after such a long gap was daunting. "When you take a gap of 6-7 years, you think that you don’t know your craft, that things have changed... so I was not comfortable," he admitted. However, the post-pandemic period became a turning point. He focused intensely on rebuilding himself through training and reading, which rebuilt his confidence from within. "I got so confident about myself that I thought I don’t need validation from anyone," Shetty stated, crediting divine grace and financial stability for this transformative self-assurance.
The Rs 40 Crore Principle: Putting Ethics Before Money
The conversation took a significant turn when discussing celebrity endorsements, particularly for products like tobacco and alcohol. Shetty revealed he was once approached with a massive Rs 40 crore deal to promote a tobacco brand. His refusal was immediate and firm. "I looked at him and said, ‘Do you think I will fall for the money? I won’t.’ I probably needed that money, but no, I won’t do it," the actor recounted.
His reasoning was rooted in personal belief and legacy. "It is something that I don’t believe in. I won’t do anything that will leave a blemish on Ahan and Athiya," he said, referring to his son and daughter. This strong stance has apparently made promoters wary, as he noted, "Now nobody even dares to come to me with such offers."
Relevance Beyond the Box Office
Despite acknowledging that he may not be a box office draw today, Suniel Shetty expressed immense gratitude for the sustained love and respect he receives. He highlighted that his relevance is maintained by the media and a loyal fanbase that values authenticity. "Even though I wasn’t in the limelight or gave blockbusters after blockbusters, the media kept me alive," he said.
Most touchingly, he finds inspiration in the younger generation. "I am not relevant when it comes to cinema or box office, but still 17–18 year olds look up to me. I get so much love and respect, it is unreal," Shetty shared. This connection, built on decades of fitness advocacy and perceived integrity, is what he cherishes. It also reinforces his ethical choices, leading him to conclude, "So I am blessed, so will I do it for a few crores? No, I won’t."
