Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
Bollywood

TV Has Given Me A Following I Never Had: Suniel Shetty

Darpan News Desk IANS, 25 May, 2017 12:18 PM
    He has been in the Hindi film industry for a quarter of a century and has delivered some memorable films like "Mohra", "Hu Tu Tu", "Hera Pheri" and "Dhadkan". After such a long stint, actor Suniel Shetty now feels that it is the small screen that has given him a newer audience and a following.
     
    Suniel was last seen on the silver screen in the 2014 film "Desi Kattey". In the television space he features in &TV's reality show "India's Asli Champion...Hai Dum" as the host.
     
    Asked why he chose to make a comeback to showbiz with the small screen, Suniel told IANS over phone from Mumbai: "Because the small screen would get me into every house. That is what the small screen has done. It has given me a newer audience... Mr. Amitabh Bachchan changed the face of television with 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' and then Salman Khan, being a superstar, did TV with 'Dus Ka Dum'... People got to know the real Salman Khan."
     
    The 55-year-old, who has launched a gym called SMAAASH Shivfit in collaboration with celebrity crossfit expert Shivoham, said the small screen brings out the real personality of an actor.
     
    "Television somehow brings out your actual personality and throws it out in front of the people because you are playing yourself. You are not playing any character and I think that is what 'India's Asli Champion... Hai Dum' has done for me. It has given me a newer audience and following that probably I never had before," he added.
     
     
    In his over-two-decade journey, Suniel carved a niche for himself in Bollywood with movies like "Gopi Kishan", "Ittefaq", "Kaante", "Krishna", "Border" and "Main Hoon Na". He is mostly known for action entertainers and comedies.
     
    Talking about the action scenes and safety measures in today's times, Suneil said: "It (action) has become more technical and safer. Green and blue matting has come in. We did our jumps ourselves. We were stupid. But now there are airbags and a lot more safety which is very important for an actor.
     
    "It has become very technical... I have broken every part of my body because of the kind of stunts I have done," the "Dhadkan" actor said.
     
    With a career so vast, would he like to change anything about his journey if given a chance?
     
    "No, nothing at all. I have learnt a lot. The best part is that God has given me an opportunity again. I have got a hell lot of films that have come to me. Now I am going to choose wise and play safe. I don't want to do too much," said Suniel.
     
    He wants to play roles that suit his age now.
     
    "I don't want the grey removed from my hair. I want the grey to stay... I would like to play a father, uncle or even a brother as long as the roles are respectful. Earlier, I did roles which my friends asked me... now I will do a favour to a friend when it comes to my price, but I will not do a favour for the kind of roles that he has to offer me... Which is something I am very clear about," he said.
     
     
    What's next for Suniel?
     
    "I have a few films. I have a film called 'Reloaded' with Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez, which I am looking forward to. It's a very good role. I play a mentor... My age. (I am) Very excited and very happy," he said.

    MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

    I Auditioned For 'A Death In The Gunj' Twice, Says Kalki Koechlin

    I Auditioned For 'A Death In The Gunj' Twice, Says Kalki Koechlin
    In a career spanning over eight years, Kalki Koechlin's acting has time and again been validated by critics, audience and several awards. But, there is one person in front of whom the National Award winner had to prove her acting skills. 

    I Auditioned For 'A Death In The Gunj' Twice, Says Kalki Koechlin

    Sonakshi Sinha: The Action Queen of Bollywood

    Sonakshi Sinha:  The Action Queen of Bollywood
    In present times, the Bollywood heroine – an entity of beauty, glamour, values and love – has definitely expanded her scope and Sonakshi Sinha is one such actress leading the way in rebranding the stereotypical Bollywood actress into a fierce all-rounder lead. 

    Sonakshi Sinha: The Action Queen of Bollywood

    'Half Girlfriend': Performances Save This Half-Baked Mush

    'Half Girlfriend': Performances Save This Half-Baked Mush
    Adapted from Chetan Bhagat's novel by the same name, director Mohit Suri's film "Half Girlfriend" is a half-baked and clichéd romance pot-boiler that does not raise the bar.

    'Half Girlfriend': Performances Save This Half-Baked Mush

    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Is Taking Cannes By Storm. Check Out Her Gorgeous Dress

    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Is Taking Cannes By Storm. Check Out Her Gorgeous Dress
    Cannes Film Festival: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's first outfit is a layered and diaphanous dress embellished with colourful floral motifs

    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Is Taking Cannes By Storm. Check Out Her Gorgeous Dress

    PICS: Mallika Turned Heads In Georges Hobeika Gown At Cannes

    PICS: Mallika Turned Heads In Georges Hobeika Gown At Cannes
    The make-up of the 40-year-old actress was by Dior, and she wore subtle jewels by French label Messika.

    PICS: Mallika Turned Heads In Georges Hobeika Gown At Cannes

    Lovely To Have Worked With You On 'Baywatch': Priyanka Chopra To Pamela

    Lovely To Have Worked With You On 'Baywatch': Priyanka Chopra To Pamela
    Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, who currently awaits the release of "Baywatch", says it was lovely to work with Hollywood star Pamela Anderson in her maiden Hollywood film.

    Lovely To Have Worked With You On 'Baywatch': Priyanka Chopra To Pamela