Suniel Shetty Reveals Insights on Bollywood, Cricket, and His Beloved Nickname 'Anna'

Suniel Shetty's Candid Conversation

In a recent episode of Baatein Dil Se, actor Suniel Shetty, known for his role in Welcome To The Jungle, shared personal anecdotes about his life and career during a discussion with Navika Kumar, the Editor-in-Chief of The Times Group. He touched on various subjects, including the public relations landscape in Bollywood, his school days, his love for cricket, and his admiration for his son-in-law, KL Rahul. Shetty also expressed his affection for his nickname, "Anna," which has become a symbol of warmth and connection for him.

Concerns About PR Culture in Bollywood

Suniel Shetty on PR culture

Suniel Shetty voiced his apprehensions regarding the growing emphasis on public image within the film industry. He remarked, "Everything is PR," highlighting how agencies often dictate the lifestyles of celebrities. He criticized the fashion expectations, stating, "At the airport, there should always be new clothes. I have been repeating clothes all my life." He contrasted past trends with the current state, noting, "What we used to wear became a trend. Now, trends are dictated by the world." He concluded by pointing out the industry's obsession with perfection, saying, "Every actor looks the same... everything is fake."

Why Cricket Wasn't His Path

Why did Suniel Shetty not choose cricket as a career?

Reflecting on his school years, Suniel Shetty shared that his passion for sports overshadowed his academic pursuits. He admitted that he refrained from pursuing cricket professionally due to the politics involved and his own self-doubt, stating, "I wasn't good enough."

His Connection with KL Rahul

When discussing his son-in-law, cricketer KL Rahul, Shetty expressed that he lives vicariously through Rahul's cricketing journey. He shared his anxiety while watching Rahul play, admitting, "I stopped going to the matches" after a moment of distraction led to Rahul's dismissal. Suniel clarified that he refrains from giving Rahul cricket advice, stating, "I started following him after he became my son-in-law. I admired his game because I loved Rahul Dravid."

The Meaning Behind 'Anna'

Suniel Shetty on nickname Anna

Shetty also elaborated on his beloved nickname, Anna, which has become synonymous with him. He expressed that he values the affection associated with "Anna" more than his actual name, noting that even older individuals have begun to call him that.

A Disciplined Lifestyle

Suniel Shetty also shared insights into his disciplined lifestyle, revealing that he has never consumed alcohol. He attributed his discipline to his early training in martial arts, recalling how he trained with the Tibetan Border Police and the Maharashtra Police at a young age, which instilled a sense of respect and discipline in him.