Bollywood actor and fitness icon Suniel Shetty has made a startling revelation, stating that he turned down a staggering sum of Rs 40 crore to endorse a tobacco brand. The actor, known for his disciplined lifestyle, emphasized that his principles and the legacy he wishes to leave for his children, Ahan and Athiya Shetty, were far more valuable than the financial windfall.
A Conscious Choice Against Tobacco Endorsement
In a candid conversation with Peeping Moon, Shetty opened up about the lucrative offer he received and his firm refusal. He stated that he made a conscious decision never to promote products he doesn't believe in, especially those harmful to health. "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," Shetty revealed. He added that such an endorsement would leave a blemish on his family's name, and now, nobody even dares to approach him with similar proposals.
Finding Relevance Through Fitness and Family
Shetty also reflected on his career trajectory, admitting that he doesn't see himself as "relevant" in terms of box office pull or constant cinematic presence. He attributed his sustained public relevance to his obsession with fitness and the organic connection he maintains with his audience. The actor shared that a significant personal loss—the death of his father, Veerappa Shetty, in 2017—led him to take a long sabbatical from films. He was disheartened and had quit work, but found a calling when he received an offer for a health show on the very morning his father passed away.
This period of introspection, coupled with dedicated training and self-improvement post-pandemic, rebuilt his confidence. "I built myself, I started training, reading... Then I got so confident about myself that I thought I don't need validation from anyone," he explained. Shetty credited divine grace and the unwavering support of his fans and media for keeping him in the public eye even during his absence from the silver screen.
Legacy Over Lucre
Despite acknowledging that other prominent actors like Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt have ventured into allied businesses, Shetty stands firm on his personal ethics. His decision is rooted in the responsibility he feels as a role model. "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," he asserted. For Suniel Shetty, the immense respect he commands from the younger generation is a blessing that no amount of money can compromise.
