Suniel Shetty is now a grandfather but he continues to remain a huge inspiration for people for being so fit till date. The actor was always known for his fitness even the 90s and even now. Though, Shetty admits that youngsters also consider him as inspiration despite the fact that he’s no longer relevant at the movies or box office. Which is why, he refused a Rs 40 crore deal to endorse a tobacco brand, said the actor in a recent interview. During this chat, the actor also opened up on a very personal incident in his life which made him quit movies a few years ago. “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. However, the same morning I got an offer to do a health show,” said Suniel during a chat with Peeping Moon.
Having stayed away from acting for nearly five years, Suniel said receiving a work offer on the very day of his father’s demise felt almost surreal. He chose to interpret it as a sign to resume his journey. “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.”Despite his apprehensions, Suniel revealed that financial stability played a crucial role in helping him rediscover his confidence. Reflecting on the period after the pandemic, he said, “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 don’t need validation from anyone. God has been kind, Lakshmiji (Goddess of wealth) has been kind every time I need her. She is there with me, without me asking. That gives you a different kind of confidence. That confidence changed everything in me.”Suniel also credited the media and his loyal fanbase for keeping him relevant during his years away from the spotlight. He admitted that even without headline-making box office successes, public affection never waned. “Even though I wasn’t in the limelight or gave blockbusters after blockbusters, the media kept me alive. They showed the love towards me. Things started changing, people wanted to see organic and real instead of those who seek validation online.”When the conversation shifted to celebrities endorsing tobacco products, including actors launching their own liquor or tobacco-related brands, Suniel reiterated his firm stance against associating with such campaigns. He revealed turning down a massive offer without hesitation. “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. 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.”Concluding his thoughts, Suniel added, “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. So I am blessed, so will I do it for a few crores? No, I won’t.”
