Suniel Shetty pushes back against “Bollywood is all about drugs and #MeToo” narrative, urges focus on positives

Suniel Shetty pushes back against “Bollywood is all about drugs and #MeToo” narrative, urges focus on positives

• Suniel Shetty defends Bollywood against negative stereotypes
• He says controversies overshadow industry's hardworking talent
• Shetty urges focus on positive values and fair representation

Did our AI summary help?

Veteran Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has publicly challenged what he describes as a negative and unfair narrative about the Hindi film industry, saying Bollywood is being narrowly defined by controversies rather than the many talented, sincere and hardworking people who make it up.

Speaking at the ABP News “Ideas of India 2026” summit, Suniel Shetty addressed the widespread perception that the industry is dominated by scandals — especially issues related to drugs and the #MeToo movement — and pushed back against that oversimplification.

During the chat, Suniel was asked about the film industry, and he said, “Kyuki actor, singer, sportsman, entertainer ho… woh hamesha public ke aankho mein rehta he aur bohot saare comments uske upar hote he, negative as well as positive, islliye woh mushkil hota he. Achche log he… I don't think ki Bollywood mein achche log nahi he. The thing is ek narrative hamesha hota hain Bollywood ke baare mein. Ki nahi yaar, drugs ke baare mein toh Bollywood he. #MeToo hain toh Bollywood hain. Aisa nahi he.”

Suniel also pointed out that negative stories tend to receive more attention and drive more viewership — a dynamic he said extends beyond films into wider society. He went on to add, “There are beautiful people in this industry. I don't think it is just Bollywood, ye baat life mein bhi hain. Kyuki abuse is views! TRP jab milti hain jab aap gaali dete ho (It is something that extends to life. Because to abuse is get views! It is more TRP when someone abuses). It is not about whether the news is right, it is about whether the news is first.”

Beyond defending Bollywood’s reputation, Suniel shared personal values that guide him as both an artist and a parent, saying he advises his son Ahan Shetty to focus on being a good human being first, before becoming a celebrated actor or performer.