Suniel Shetty says star kids have to work harder today as 'everybody is a critic' now: 'It's critical bashing going on'
Early in his career in the 90s, Suniel Shetty faced resistance for his unorthodox looks, with many saying he didn't 'look like' a hero. The actor agrees that outsiders - those who had no film background - often faced bigger pressures while starting out. However, he says that as compared to 30 years ago, star kids find it more difficult to succeed now.
On star kids' struggles
"The kids have to work harder to prove. Earlier, they took it for granted that I'd be a part of this. This is my hierarchy, and I'd be a part of this. Today, the kid knows to educate (themselves) and come prepared as an actor, with their acting, body, and everything else. You need to be absolutely prepared. Go to school and come; don't believe you can walk into high school and college without finishing the basics," says the actor.
He says the reason star kids find it tougher is partially because of the competition, but also because of the scathing feedback that comes their way from the audience. "Everybody is judgmental. Everybody believes they are a critic. And it's not critical appreciation of cinema. It's critical trashing of cinema that's going on," he says.
Athiya and Ahan Shetty's careers
Both of Suniel Shetty's children - Athiya and Ahan - made their debut in films over the last few years. Athiya started her acting career with Hero in 2015, before appearing in three more films. She eventually retired from acting quietly after her last film - Motichoor Chaknachoor (2019) - did not work at the box office. Ahan debuted with Tadap in 2021, and currently has Border 2 and Sanki lined up for release next year.
Suniel was most recently seen in the Amazon MXPlayer show Hunter. Season 2 also stars Jackie Shroff, Anusha Dandekar, and Barkha Bisht in lead roles.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Sexy! Mouni Roy Sizzles In New Hot Viral Photos, Fans Can't Keep Calm
Last Updated: The actress took to Instagram to share a series of bold and glamorous pictures that show her flaunting her toned curves Mouni Roy is known for her stunning beauty and sizzling style. She has once again set the internet on fire with her latest photos. The actress took to Instagram to share a series of bold and glamorous pictures that show her flaunting her toned curves and plunging neckline in a figure-hugging outfit — and fans simply can't stop gushing. Taking to her Instagram handle, Mouni Roy shared a series of photos in which she is seen wearing formals with plunging neckline shirt. She is flaunting her toned curves and cleavage. Fans immediately reacted and called hottie and beautiful in the comment section. She often shared her bikini photos on social media. Take a look here: On Sunday, The Bhootnii star took to Instagram and shared a mix of throwback and current photos from her many beach trips throughout the years. In one of her photos that dates back in time, Mouni Roy is seen pairing a crop top with a wrap-around tie-in skirt. In another photo, she is seen lying down by the pool wearing a bikini. In the following pool pictures from her various outings, the actor can be seen slaying in white, black and blue bikinis that scream 'hot'! 'In my bed but mentally on an island", she wrote while sharing the pictures. In 2014, Mouni Roy spoke about her love for bikinis and said that though she loves wearing them on holidays, she would never wear it for a film. The actor told HT, 'A big film or item song hasn't been offered to me. I got roles from good , though I wasn't keen on them as I was asked to — and I won't — wear a bikini in a film. I'm not conservative, as I'd wear it on holidays, but definitely not in front of the camera. I have to think of my family. As for dance numbers, the concept or the film wasn't that great, so I didn't do them." About her work front, Mouni Roy is a part of Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai featuring Varun Dhawan and Pooja Hegde. She is also a part of a new film titled The Wives, helmed by Madhur Bhandarkar. The shoot started on July 8 in Mumbai. The film will focus on the hidden and lesser-known lives of Bollywood's star wives. It features a strong cast including Sonali Kulkarni, Regina Cassandra, Rahul Bhatt, Saurabh Sachdeva, Arjan Bajwa, and Freddy Daruwala. First Published: July 17, 2025, 14:22 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Medha Rana Kicks Off Border 2 Shoot, Shares Pictures From The Set
Medha Rana begins shooting for Border 2 opposite Varun Dhawan. She shared pics from the set, calling the film a sacred tribute to Indian warriors. Actress Medha Rana, who has been in the news for her theatrical debut in the upcoming war drama Border 2, has officially kicked off shooting for the film. Medha will be seen opposite Varun Dhawan, bringing a fresh and charming dynamic to the intense narrative. Rana took to social media to share a post from the set of Border 2, expressing her excitement and enthusiasm about being part of the project. Medha shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying, 'I am endlessly grateful to the team of Border 2 for this honour. Thank you for trusting me with something so sacred. Every frame feels like a prayer, every moment on set a deep bow to those who give up everything so we can live fearlessly." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Medha Rana (@medhaarana) Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan recently shared a picture from the middle of the lush green fields in Punjab. The actor reached Punjab to continue his shoot for the film. The film is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, in partnership with JP Dutta's JP Films, and is supported by a powerful production team that includes Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta. Border 2 is set against a backdrop of heroism, sacrifice, and national pride, and is prepared to provide a striking tribute to the unwavering spirit of Indian warriors. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film builds on the legacy of the 1997 classic while crafting its own identity through a novel narrative approach. The film stars Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, Diljit Dosanjh, Sunny Deol, and others. The team has been rigorously working on the film. It will release in January 2026 and, as per recent reports, has cast Medha Rana as the female protagonist opposite Varun Dhawan. The official introduction post mentioned, 'Every story finds its people. We're happy to welcome #MedhaRana to the #Border2 family as the female lead opposite #VarunDhawan. Get ready for a monumental saga of courage and patriotism, as Border 2 arrives in cinemas on January 23, 2026." Medha has appeared in several projects, including London Files, Ishq In The Air, Friday Night Plan, and Netflix's Dancing on the Grave, but Border 2 is her first major Bollywood production. First Published: August 03, 2025, 16:33 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
'Watch the film first': The Kerala Story director Sudipto Sen's curt message to Kerala CM over National Award criticism
At the 71st National Film Awards, the controversial Hindi film, The Kerala Story, surprised one and all with two major wins - for Best Director and Best Cinematography. The film, which dealt with the subject of radicalisation and religious conversion by terror organisations, had faced opposition by the Kerala government upon its release in 2023. After the win, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan once again criticised it, calling the honour 'an insult to the tradition of Indian cinema'. The Kerala Story director Sudipto Sen reacts to CM Pinarayi Vijayan's attack on his film's National Award win. In an exclusive chat with Hindustan Times, The Kerala Story director Sudipto Sen addressed the attack, and also shared a message for Chief Minister. What Kerala CM said about The Kerala Story's win Taking to Twitter (now X) on Friday, CM Pinarayi Vijayan wrote, "By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala's image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the #NationalFilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar. Kerala, a land that has always stood as a beacon of harmony and resistance against communal forces, has been gravely insulted by this decision. It is not just Malayalis, but everyone who believes in democracy, must raise their voice in defence of truth and the constitutional values we hold dear." Sudipto Sen reacts Upon hearing the comment, Sudipto Sen told HT, "I think Pinayari Vijayan, sir, who is a very senior and seasoned politician, hasn't seen my film. Had he seen my film, he wouldn't have made this comment." The filmmaker also claimed that Vijayan once advocated what he is saying now, but has changed his tune over the years. "15 years ago, a prominent Kerala politician had a press conference in Delhi where he said that PFI and SGPI are so active in Kerala that they may turn it into an ISIS state soon. There was a backlash to it in Kerala. And who was the first person to defend this comment? Pinayari Vijayan, who was the Secretary of the Communist Party of India then, not the Kerala CM. What he is saying today and what he said back then are completely different," he added. 'Their job is to do politics' Saying he did not want to be drawn into a political debate, Sudipto Sen said he continues to stand by his film, "I am not a politician, but they are seasoned politicians. I have nothing to say to a political comment, because their job is to do politics. I am a filmmaker. What I can tell you is that we have given 12 years of research to this film. I travelled across several blocks in Kerala, and met 500 girls there. When the Censor Board (CBFC) took two months to clear the film, I gave evidence for each line of dialogue in the film. I stand by every dialogue and visual of the film. Nobody can discredit me by just putting a comment on Instagram or Twitter." Before signing off, the newly minted National Award winner added, "My earnest request to Pinayari Vijayan, sir, is that he should see the film and see if I am wrong. If he can find one line or sentence in the film wrong, he should tell me." About The Kerala Story The Kerala Story starred Adah Sharma in the lead. The film was about a group of girls from Kerala who were radicalised by ISIS militants. Makers claimed that the film is inspired by true events, and that 32000 girls from Kerala have met this fate. This claim was challenged by the Kerala government in court, and the makers had to drop the number from the film. The Kerala Story released to a good reception from the audiences, minting over ₹300 crore at the box office.
