Suniel Shetty has a drastically different take on nepotism

Who knew that one episode of ‘Koffee With Karan’ would popularise this word to a whole new extent? From Karan Johar to Saif Ali Khan, from Arjun Kapoor to Ranbir Kapoor, most of the prominent figures of Bollywood have opened up on nepotism at least once since then. While some said Bollywood is equally open to talents with a non-filmy background, some said it is comparatively easy for star kids to begin a career in showbiz.

Suniel Shetty somewhat agrees to the concept. But the logic that he cites, is different from anything we’ve heard before! (Also Read: Revealed: Suniel Shetty plays a colonel in ‘A Gentleman’)

“Everybody has somebody in life, not only in Bollywood but in any industry. A politician will nurture his kids to be a politician. A civil officer would want his kids to be in the same career because of respect, security and the uniform. A doctor would say ‘my career is the best.’ So, it’s natural. They want their kids to be in the same field because they know all about it and have their comfort in that career,” Suniel said.

“Similarly, for me, acting was comfortable. If they (Athiya and Ahan) would have chosen something else, I would worry. So this thing about actors kids getting into acting is something that is happening everywhere in the world and in every field. Why question Bollywood? This is happening because of the social media world. We are living in the world where we see are happy if we get 100 likes on our picture or status but do not care if 100 people around us have respect for us. Trolling, talking crap, I really don’t understand,” he added.

The only suggestion the actor has for his kids is to put their heart and soul into what they’re doing.

Suniel’s daughter Athiya Shetty debuted with the 2015 film ‘Hero’ and is now set to appear in Arjun Kapoor and Anil Kapoor-starrer ‘Mubarakan’. His son Aahan is also gearing up for his big Bollywood debut under Sajid Nadiadwala production.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.