Hi, friends. Through this column, I talk about my friends, family, or well-wishers. But today’s story is about a person from Bollywood who has been a real inspiration. One, because of his craft as an actor-producer, for which he is being loved by all his fans across the globe. But my today’s Cover Drive Section is dedicated to him, just for a simple fact: he is an amazing human being. During my career so far, I have met many Bollywood stars. Some of them throw tantrums all of the time (without naming them), some are real gems, real-life stars, some reel-life stars only. Today, I am talking about one such real-life star.
This star is different. His simplicity as a person touches hearts, and his truthfulness as a human being is truly inspiring. His persona exudes a different aura, and after meeting him, you realize that real, good-hearted people do exist. He is the most genuinely humble Bollywood star I have ever come across. He is stylish to the core, and his understanding of style is unique and quite distinctive. At the same time, he is one of the rare, genuine human beings in Bollywood, though there are many others still.
“I can go on and on about him, about his genuineness as a person and as a star. He doesn’t behave like one, no tantrums, yet stylish to the core, always a calm and smiling man.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet him many times. Well, you all must be curious by now… who is this amazing personality? Let me catch my breath, as when I talk about him, I go non-stop.
I am truly impressed with his style, persona, and life. He is none other than Mr. Sunil Shetty, Indian actor, film producer, and action hero of Bollywood, who is lovingly called Anna.”
I had the opportunity to meet Anna and spend some time with him during the music release of my friend’s film ‘Desi Katte’ in Delhi. Another one of my favorite directors, and a great human being, is Anand Kumar.
During the music release of ‘Desi Katte,’ along with Anand Bhai, I met Anna. I was so impressed with his great personality. What style, man! His dressing sense and the way he speaks are amazing. Sometimes, I feel he could give many Hollywood stars a run for their money. Given a chance, he would have done wonders in Hollywood too.
Let me come back to the incident during the music release of ‘Desi Katte,’ which was planned in one of the Five Star Hotels’ disc in Delhi. In those days, this disc was very popular amongst partygoers. More importantly, the music of ‘Desi Katte’ was composed by another stalwart musician and singer, Kailash Kher. He was also in Delhi for this music release, another amazing human being. I will write a cover drive on him too.
Now coming back to this story, when Anand Bhai and I received Anna from the airport, we were in the same car. He simply asked where we would be staying and what the plan for the release was. Anand introduced me to Anna and said, ‘My friend Alok arranged the evening settings for the music launch, which will start with a press conference.’ While talking all this, we reached the hotel as mentioned—a decent 5-star hotel, although in those days, none of the Bollywood stars used to stay there due to their service, etc. When we arrived at the hotel, Anna looked at me and said, ‘Oh, you booked this hotel.’ I thought, ‘Ab lagegi Meri’ but he didn’t say anything, just smiled and said, ‘I can understand the budgetary issues, but no worries. Ask them to clean the room once again and spray one more time. Chill, man… Chalta hai. Let us focus on the music release.’ I was relieved. Even during the music launch, he spoke so beautifully. In front of the press, he talked about the way I had managed the whole thing.
It was such an amazing evening. The next morning, while leaving for Mumbai, Anna said, ‘Alok, you are a passionate and honest guy. Keep your passion alive, things will happen for you. All the best.’ He left with an amazing smile and said, ‘Thanks so much… you rock.’ I was so happy. Whenever I met Anna, I always felt so happy and honored. That’s how the real star gave me the real magic to live life with ease. Let me take you through the journey of this amazing Bollywood star.
Born on 11th August 1961, he made his debut in the year 1992 with his first Bollywood film ‘Balwan,’ which was not a hit. However, his acting skills and power-packed performance were noticed in Bollywood circles at that time, and even critics praised his performance.
His best came in the year 1994 with the super hit film ‘Mohra.’ It was then that the entire world realized Sunil Shetty is an actor of class, showcasing amazing acting skills in ‘Mohra.’ Thereafter, he never looked back. His other hits were J.P. Dutta’s ‘Border’ in 1997, ‘Refugee’ in 2000, ‘Qayamat: City Under Threat’ in 2003, and ‘LOC Kargil’ in 2003. These films were not only liked by the audience but also established him as a powerful actor in Bollywood, as well as an action star.
He has acted in more than 80 films, portraying various shades of characters in his acting career, ranging from hero to becoming a villain. Serious, intense to comic characters, all played in style and leaving their mark on the audience each time he faced the camera.
Some of his amazing hits were ‘Hera Pheri’ in 2000, ‘Awara Paagal Deewana’ in 2002, and ‘Phir Hera Pheri’ in 2006. These films have established him as one of the finest actors who can perform comic roles with ease.
Later on, he started his own production company titled ‘Popcorn Motion Pictures.’ Under his production house, he did his first projects: ‘Khel’ in 2003, ‘Rakht’ in 2004, and ‘Bhagam Bhag’ in the year 2006.
He has a knack for fitness. Till date, he remains a dashing, handsome, and athletic man. Being fit all the time comes naturally to him and is his mantra for life. This belief led him to invest in the Pune-based online health and fitness venture named ‘Fittr’ in 2019, with founder Jitendra Chouksey. The venture has since become a highly successful online fitness brand.
Anna also has a great interest in cricket, and he plays it well. This passion afforded him the opportunity to become the captain of Mumbai Heroes in the Celebrity Cricket League in 2018.
Apart from being the owner of a few clubs and restaurants, he has ventured into the luxury furniture and home lifestyle business with his wife Mana Shetty in Mumbai.
Now, let’s take a peek at the awards he has received in his Bollywood journey:
- Filmfare Award for Best Villain for ‘Dhadkan’ (2001)
- Zee Cine Award for Best Supporting Actor in ‘Dhadkan’ (2001)
- GIFA Award for Best Villain in ‘Main Hoon Na’ (2005)
- Stardust Award for Best Actor for ‘Red Alert: The War Within’
Team Time4Star wishes Anna a very happy life!