Suniel Shetty has been a Bollywood star since the 1990s, but he recently took a four-year hiatus and only came back to the industry last year.
At 58, he looks as fit as any young actor, and the cricket-freak veteran who tweaked his name from Sunil to Suniel spoke to The National while in Dubai for the Middle East Energy Summit at World Trade Centre.
Since his comeback, Shetty has been involved in films from the South. His film Darbar, made in Tamil and dubbed in Hindi, came out in January, and he was cast as the villain next to superstar Rajnikanth. He also plays a vital part in an ensemble cast in period drama Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham from Mollywood – the Malayalam language film industry – which releases this month on March 24.
You are a regular in Dubai, why do you like visiting here?
I think Dubai has always been fantastic to me. It is the locals, wherever you are, they are always welcoming. India is an extension of Dubai and vice versa. I end up being in Dubai every month or so.
At the launch of Darbar, Rajnikanth credited you for your work ethic, but you did take a break for four years. Would you say you are in the second innings of your career?
I wouldn't call it a second innings. Yes, there was a gap because my father was unwell [he passed away]. I was not here physically, but mentally I was always here. I was always watching. Also, we are in a new era of cinema. Now I am looking at 'Indian' films as cinema; because the world has accepted different languages. If you see on Netflix or Amazon ... people will also watch Spanish, Turkish or Mexican content. Everything is evolving. South cinema is rocking the Indian market as well.
You ticked period drama off your bucket list with Marakkar...
Yes, Marakkar is my next film. It has been mounted super-duper well, and I am excited, the work I have done with Priyadarshan [the film's director] excites me. Shooting for it was real tough; being in costume always and waiting for your turn with thousands of crew at work and you have to be ready. But it was a fantastic experience.
There is talk that the third film to follow your cult classic Hera Pheri is finally happening. Is that true?
[The 2000 comedy thriller film starred Shetty, Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal and a second franchise Phir Hera Pheri was made in 2006]
I know for a fact that it is happening. Everything is falling in place. Akshay is doing so many films ... he has to be free. But if it is to happen, it will be the three of us again otherwise I can tell you it won't happen.
You said recently that you regretted some of the films you chose to do in your 28-year career. So what kind of roles are you planning to do now?
I am open to all kind of roles. After Marakkar, there is this English film Fraudster that is releasing next. The Telugu version of it is Mosagallu, but it is the English version I am looking forward to as it is being directed by an American unit. [Jeffrey Gee Chin directs Fraudster in which Shetty is a turbaned Sikh police officer]. It is a true story.
Then there is another Telugu-Hindi film that will go on the floors mid year. Once that is wrapped up there is a Hindi film that I will start shooting for in Abu Dhabi.
Can you give more details on the film in Abu Dhabi?
That is a very exciting project. It is expected we will wrap that by August; it should be announced soon ... maybe in the next week, 10 days. It is a film on sport – boxing. We will have teams from Creed and Creed II units here for six to eight weeks. I'm super excited about that.
You were a pioneer in terms of sequels given Hera Pheri was one of the first films to grow into a sequel. Are we looking at a sequel for this planned boxing film?
Absolutely. The film in Abu Dhabi has been designed for a sequel. But the success or failure of a film is very important for such to happen.
You have been actively involved in trying to get the careers of Athiya and Ahan [his children] going, with slow progress. Athiya also took a year's break and there is talk of her being in relationship with cricketer KL Rahul. What's happening on that front?
Athiya has received good reviews for her films [Hero in 2015 and Motichoor Chaknachoor in 2019]. Unfortunately they did not do well. But she is comfortable in her skin and wants to make sure she makes an impact in whatever she does and is not a prop.
Ahan is a calm person. His first film is through [Tadap is in post-production]. And Sajid Nadiadwala [the film's producer] wants to ensure every detail is right.
We three share a tight bond; we are more of friends and that is the secret of our family. As far as the relationship of Athiya goes, the world seems to know more than we do. But you should meet Athiya and Ahan to talk about it. As a father I am very happy with whatever decisions they take.
You were a late bloomer, so are you OK with the fact your childrens's careers are a bit slow to take off?
Slow and steady is always good in life. Irrespective of whatever and how much you achieve, one must hold on to respect. I don't care how many films I do, but when I hang my boots, if people say I was a good guy, that's what I care for. Success and failure is part and parcel of life.
