Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 27: Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has said that he does not consider himself a “relevant” celebrity when it comes to cinema or box-office success, but believes his obsession with fitness has helped him remain relevant in the film industry despite a long sabbatical.

In a recent interaction with Peeping Moon, the actor candidly spoke about his career, personal loss and values. Acknowledging his limitations in delivering box-office blockbusters, Suniel said it was his commitment to fitness that sustained his presence in the industry. He also revealed that this very obsession led him to turn down a Rs 40 crore endorsement offer for a tobacco campaign.

Suniel further opened up about the emotional toll following the death of his father, Veerappa Shetty, in 2017. He said his father had been unwell since 2014 and that he had devoted himself to caring for him during that period.

“Before passing away in 2017, dad was unwell from 2014, and I was looking after him. I was not in a state of mind. I had completely quit,” the actor said, adding that the loss left him deeply disheartened and prompted him to take a prolonged break from films.

Interestingly, Suniel revealed that on the same morning his father passed away, he received an offer to host a health-related show, which eventually marked his gradual return to public life.

The actor said fitness and a healthy lifestyle have always been central to his philosophy, both personally and professionally, and continue to guide his choices even today.