Bollywood star Suniel Shetty is known to be one of the most versatile actors. Besides, he also has a reputation of being one of the most non-controversial men, who stands bt his firm principles. In a recent conversation, the Dhadkan actor revealed that he once turned down a Rs 40 crore offer to endorse a tobacco product, since it went against his principles and he wanted to set a positive example for his kids, Ahan and Athiya.
Suniel Shetty on rejecting a tobacco ad
Reflecting on his decision to turn down the offer, Suniel shared that his personal beliefs and core values have often influenced his perspective on life and career. During a recent interview with Peeping Moon, Suniel shared that he made a conscious decision to never endorse tobacco products in his career. He actor said, “I have been offered Rs 40 crore for a tobacco ad. 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.”
He went on to add, “It is something that I don`t believe in. I won`t do anything that will leave a blemish on Ahan and Athiya. Now nobody even dares to come to me with such offers.”
Suniel Shetty on his father`s death and acting hiatus
During the same interview, he further opened about the death of his father, Veerappa Shetty, in 2017. Notably, after his father`s passing, he took a hiatus from acting. He revealed, “Before passing away in 2017, dad was unwell from 2014, and I was looking after him. I was not in a state of mind. I had completely quit. And then he passed away.”
Suniel made his comeback after 6-7 years, which he reveals he found challenging, saying, “The morning of my father`s death, I got an offer to do a health show. I saw it as a calling, and then I went back to acting and took up a few South films. When you take a gap of 6-7 years, you think that you don`t know your craft, that things have changed, and that nobody knows you, everyone is new, so I was not comfortable.”
Suniel Shetty also shared details about his post-pandemic transformation. He concluded, “Post-pandemic, I started looking at myself differently. I built myself, I started training, reading and doing so many other things. Then I got so confident about myself that I thought I didn`t need validation from anyone.”
