Suniel Shetty Says He Was Told To Quit Acting, Sell Idlis: 'Dukaan Main Vada Bechna Chahiye'
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A critic told Suniel Shetty that he was stiff, couldn't walk and didn't know how to act.
Suniel Shetty made his debut in the 1992 film Balwaan with Divya Bharti. Although the film was a huge box office success, the actor has revealed that one critic took a jab at his looks and told him to sell idlis and vadas at his restaurant instead. Suniel mentioned that while the critic thought it was an insult, the restaurant has contributed greatly to his success.
Suniel Shetty told Radio Nasha, 'When Balwaan got released, it was a blockbuster. However, ek bhut bade critic ne, shayad ek lauta critic tha voh. Usne kaha ki iski film toh chali gayi lekin yeh bahut kharab actor hai (A very big critic, probably the only one at that time, he wrote that even though his film has worked, he is a very bad actor). 'He doesn't know acting, doesn't know how to walk, his body is so stiff, isko aapni dukaan mein idli vada bechna chahiye (He should sell idli-vada at his restaurant).'"
He added, 'He thought he was insulting me, but that idli-vada was my livelihood. It educated my sisters and me, probably way better than those whose fathers didn't sell idli-vada or run a South Indian business. He thought he was making fun of me, but if I am still surviving in the industry after 35 years, it's because of the idli-vada restaurant and my hospitality business. I used to do everything—I cleaned tables, served at the counter, and stood in the kitchen. How does that matter? I was Suniel Shetty then, and I am Suniel Shetty now."
Meanwhile, on the work front, Suniel Shetty is gearing up to step into the shoes of a fearless warrior, Vegda Ji, in his upcoming historical drama, Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath. Featuring an ensemble cast led by Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Sooraj Pancholi, and debutant Akanksha Sharma, Kesari Veer is directed by Prince Dhiman and produced by Kanu Chauhan under the Chauhan Studios banner. A Panorama Studios worldwide release, the film promises a thrilling blend of action, emotion, and drama, set to captivate audiences worldwide on 16th May 2025.
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