Angry Suniel Shetty says his quote on normal delivery 'blown out of proportion': 'I will say sorry to all the women...' - Exclusive

Suniel Shetty

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, known for his action-packed roles in the film industry and a calm demeanor, recently found himself embroiled in an unexpected controversy – not over a film, but for a statement he made about natural delivery vs cesarean birth during a previous interview.

The quote, which Suniel Shetty says was part of a bigger, sincere discourse about respect for women and parenting, sparked outrage on social media.

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, the Kesari Veer actor addressed the controversy and explained what he actually meant.

The controversy erupted after Suniel Shetty expressed his views on the importance of a young father observing the childbirth process, particularly natural delivery. He'd mentioned how such an event may increase a man's regard for his wife.

However, he told Moneycontrol that parts of the chat, particularly the one about normal vs cesarean delivery, went viral and it led to the backlash.

Suniel Shetty stated that what was meant as a personal perspective on parenthood and respect for moms was misinterpreted as a judgment on women's birthing choices.

Suniel Shetty stated, "It has been completely blown out of proportion."

Suniel Shetty defended himself against the criticism and said: "It has been completely blown out of proportion. Just tell me, if someone goes through surgery, wouldn't I know the outcome? It's a 200-word or more interview in which I discuss the importance of a young father or man-to-be seeing his wife's delivery. That's what elevates his wife to a pedestal: not only love, but respect for the rest of his life."

Suniel Shetty went on to say that the heart of his message was to recognise a woman's emotional and physical power. "That's why maa ko devi ka darja diya jata hai — that's all I had said."

The actor sharply criticised how certain media outlets and internet platforms cherry-pick comments for sensationalism.

"Someone takes the two lines and writes on them, and it is not their own - that is why performers do not come forward. Because everything revolves on political participation. If you support your nation, they will label you as right-wing and support the BJP."

He also discussed how celebs and other famous personalities are more unwilling to disclose personal experiences or patriotic sentiments for fear of being labeled or misread.

"What do my feelings about my nation have to do with a political party? It just implies that I am pleased with my nation at the time, and perhaps a political party is responsible for creating such an atmosphere."

Also Read: Suniel Shetty says he is in 'shock' as Paresh Rawal walked out of Hera Pheri 3: 'My world seems to have come crashing' - Exclusive

'Even if I didn't make the error, I will apologize.'

Suniel Shetty apologised to all of the women who were hurt by the modified version of his statements.

He said: "So, to all individuals who were offended—even if I did not make the mistake—I will sincerely apologise to all the ladies out there because I honestly appreciate and revere them. And not because someone took two phrases from my quote and exaggerated it."

He underlined that his statements were never meant to downplay or undermine the medical need or emotional significance of a cesarean section.

The actor ended the chat with a note of introspection and ongoing respect.

"Let that right happen," he remarked, alluding to India's great growth and the need to promote constructive change rather than inciting contentious discussions.

For the unversed, Suniel Shetty in a conversation with News 18 had said: "In a world where everybody wants the comfort of having a caesarean baby, she chose not to do that and had a natural delivery. I remember how every nurse and paediatrician in the hospital said that it’s unbelievable how she went through the whole process. That hit me as a father. I was like, ‘Wow, she’s ready!’ Athiya was very, very strong to do that."

Suniel Shetty will appear in Kesari Veer with Sooraj Pancholi and newbie Akanksha Sharma. The film will be released on May 23.