Suniel Shetty, also known as Sunil V Shetty is an Indian Actor, film producer, television personality, and entrepreneur. He is mainly known for his work in Hindi films. He has also worked in English, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films. Suniel was born in a Tulu-speaking Bunt family on 11 August 1961 in Mulki. Suniel Shetty married Mana Shetty on 25th December 1991. The couple has two children: their daughter, Athiya Shetty, is an actress, and their son, Ahan Shetty, is also an actor.
Education
Suniel completed his schooling from Don Bosco High School in Matunga, Mumbai. Later, he pursued a B.Com degree from H.R. College of Commerce & Economics in Mumbai, followed by a Hospitality Management course from Sophia College in Mumbai.
Career
Suniel Shetty made his debut in Hindi cinema in his 30s with the film ‘Balwaan’, directed by Deepak Anand. He went on to act in many other movies, including ‘Waqt Hamara Hai’ (1993), ‘Pehchaan’ (1993), ‘Dilwale’ (1994), ‘Anth’ (1994), ‘Mohra’ (1994), ‘Gopi Kishan’ (1994), ‘Hum Hain Bemisaal’ (1994), ‘Surakshaa’ (1995), ‘Raghuveer’ (1995), and many more. Soon, he became one of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood. He has also acted in ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000) with Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Tabu. The movie was a commercial success.
After “Hera Pheri”, Suniel Shetty went on to act in several more films. Some of his notable works in the 2000s include “Dhadkan” (2000), “Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar” (2001), “Awara Paagal Deewana” (2002), “Main Hoon Na” (2004), “Welcome” (2007), and “Red Alert: The War Within” (2010).
Along with his acting career, Suniel started to get involved in business ventures such as production and fitness-related initiatives. On March 2016, Suniel started a casting company named,, FTC Talent Media & Entertainment. He also owns Mischief Dining Bar and Club H2O.
Suniel Shetty produced films like Khel – No Ordinary Game, Rakht, and Bhagam Bhag under his production house named, Popcorn Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
Awards
Suniel Shetty has won two Filmfare awards – one for Best Villain in “Dhadkan” (2000) and another for Best Supporting Actor in “Border” (1997). He has also received a Zee Cine award for Best Supporting Actor for “Dhadkan” and a Stardust award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for “Main Hoon Na” (2004). In 2005, he was honored with the Rajiv Gandhi Award for his contributions to the entertainment industry. Additionally, he has been recognized with other awards, including the IIFA Award for Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema in 2017 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for “Hera Pheri 3” (2019).
Suniel Shetty has a deep love and respect towards his roots and his mother tongue Tulu. Suniel said that he will do a Tulu film for a cause and not for commercials and with the help of Aishwarya Rai, Shilpa Shetty, and Rohit Shetty.