Suniel Shetty on three decade-long journey in industry, says ' I've done trash cinema, got trashed...' Exclusive

Suniel Shetty

Bollywood veteran actor Suniel Shetty has been in the industry for over three decades now; he made his Bollywood debut at the age of 31 with Balwaan. And there has been no looking back since then.

We have seen him in many laughter riots like the iconic Hera Pheri, Awara Pagal Deewana and then his biggest romantic hit till date Dhadkan and many more.

The 63-year-old actor has been wooing fans on the OTT space and in theaters. His latest offering, Kesari Veer, hit theaters on Friday (May 23), and during the film's promotion in Delhi, MoneyControl got a chance to chat with the seasoned actor.

During the exclusive conversation with MoneyControl, we asked him to reflect on his thirty years in the film industry, and he spoke candidly and openly about the ups and downs of his career.

The action star confessed to feeling unsatisfied with his profession at times and said he had realized early in his career that he was doing 'trash films.'

"I've lasted three decades; that is thanks to the Almighty, and you know periods where I've done trash cinema, got trashed, films didn't work, and taken a sabbatical but still stayed alive," he stated. He added, "I reached a stage where I was aware that I was doing trash and I needed to stop."

Suniel Shetty said he felt confident in his ability to recover from his self-imposed hiatus, owing to his strict focus on fitness and self-discipline.

"I know how far I can go and how much I'm worth... " I was consistent with my physical training and appearance, so I knew it was only a matter of time before I returned to work," he explained.

Suniel Shetty in his casual demeanor, said he is now carefully choosing his projects, both in cinema and on OTT platforms, to select tales that resonate with purpose and depth.

"I needed to choose the correct films, and I believe I am doing so this time. I'm picking the proper pictures, whether they're OTT or cinematic, in the hopes that the slight box office magic that has been lacking may return sometime."

Suniel also spoke about the reason why he decided to make a film like Kesari Veer. He stated that it is important for today's generation to learn about the heroes of India.

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

"I guess the subject itself, part of history and some heroes we don't know about... Kesari Veer was a story that needs to be told," he went on.

He emphasized the significance of showing India's neglected stories and learning from history.

"The world has looted us, but they have just stolen our cash, not our wisdom... Peace is always a must in this country. And that's what we did following the surgery. We are following it because the loss is ours."

Talking about Suniel Shetty's upcoming projects, he is going to be seen in Hera Pheri 3 and Welcome to the Jungle and he is also returning to the OTT platforms once again with the next seasons of his previous shows.