One of the most respected actors of Hindi cinema, Suniel Shetty is among the first few actors who started the trend of bodybuilding in Hindi films. Known for his impressive action and impeccable comic timing, he has been part of iconic films like Balwaan, Mohra, Dilwale, Border, Hera Pheri, Ye Tera Ghar Ye Mera Ghar, Dhadkan, Kaante, Main Hoon Na and many more.
Early Life and Career
Suniel Shetty was born on August 11, 1961, in Mulki, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. His full name is Sunil Veerappa Shetty. He belongs to a Tulu-speaking Bunt family. His father, Veerappa Shetty, worked as a waiter before managing restaurants in Mumbai. Suniel has two elder sisters, Sujata R. Hedge and Sumitha Tarun Pratap, both settled in the United States.
Suniel grew up in Mumbai after his family relocated from Mulki. His father’s modest background instilled discipline and work ethic. As a child, Suniel was mischievous but responsible, assisting in the family’s restaurant business. He attended Palm Beach High School in Mumbai. Later, he earned a degree in hotel management from H.R. College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai. Suniel developed a passion for sports, particularly cricket and martial arts, achieving a black belt in kickboxing. He briefly managed Udupi-style eateries before entering the entertainment industry. He opened his first clothing boutique, Mischief, in 1987, followed by More Mischief in 1989.
Suniel Shetty On Screen
Suniel’s Bollywood debut came in 1992 with Balwaan, opposite Divya Bharti. The action film, directed by Deepak Anand, was a moderate success and showcased his physicality and screen presence. Many actresses hesitated to work with the newcomer, but Divya Bharti’s agreement proved pivotal. His martial arts background suited action roles, leading to a string of films in the 1990s. Some of his early films include Waqt Hamara Hai (1993), Pehchaan (1993), Anth (1994), and Dilwale (1994).
His true breakthrough came with the success of Rajiv Rai’s Mohra (1994), establishing him as a leading action hero. Suniel featured as Vishal Agnihotri, a angry youngman who was used by a ruthless villain in his sinister plan. His intense performance alongside Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon drove the film’s success. Suniel’s action sequences and emotional depth earned praise, cementing his action-hero status.
Growth and Verstality
The same year he starred in a dual role in the action comedy Gopi Kishan (1994) opposite Karishma Kapoor and Shilpa Shirodkar. It was the first time Shetty did a comedy movie. It was also the first time he danced on “Haay Hukku Haaye Hukku,” which became immesely famous. In the next few years, he starred in many successful films like Takkar (1995), Rakshak (1996), Shastra (1996), and Bhai (1997).
In 1997 he starred in J.P. Dutta’s war drama Border (1997) along with Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Akshay Khanna, Tabu, Pooja Bhatt and Sharbani Mukherjee. In the film Suniel played Captain Bhairon Singh, a brave soldier during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Critics lauded his commanding presence, earning him a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In 1999 he acted in Gulzar’s political drama “Hu Tu Tu,” with Tabu, Nana Patekar and Suhasini Mule.
Directed by Dharmesh Darshan, the romantic drama Dhadkan (2000) featured Suniel as Dev, a scorned lover. His emotional and nuanced role contrasted his action-hero image. The film earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain. Critics praised his emotional intensity, marking a career milestone.
Other Work
Priyadarshan’s comedy classic Hera Pheri (2000) which saw Suniel as Shyam, a loyal but frustrated tenant. His deadpan humor and chemistry with Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar made the film iconic. Over the time, the film gained a cult following. He again collaborated with Priyadarashsn for Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar (2001), a comedy about a man’s struggle to regain his house from tenants. The film is remembered for his exceptional comic timing and his chemistry with Paresh Rawal and Mahima Choudhary.
He then starred in many notable films like Refugee (2000), Jungle (2000), Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat (2001), Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), Ehsaas: The Feeling (2001), Kaante (2002), Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), LOC: Kargil (2003), and Hulchul (2004).
Farah Khan’s action drama Main Hoon Na (2004) cast Suniel as Raghavan, a terrorist leader. His menacing performance opposite Shah Rukh Khan added depth to the antagonist role. Suniel’s versatility in negative roles earned him a GIFA Award for Best Villain. In the next many years, he acted in films like Dus (2005), Chup Chup Ke (2006), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Umrao Jaan (2006), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007), De Dana Dan (2009), and many more.
After 2010 he cut off his work significantly and starred in only a handful of films like No Problem (2010), Thank You (2011), Jai Ho (2014), Mosagallu (2021, Telugu), Darbar (2020, Tamil), and Nadaaniyan (2025).
Personal Life
Suniel is known as one of the most gentle and friendly people in the industry. He is also known for his philanthropic work. He is an adviser of the Vipla Foundation, an NGO. The NGO worked on education and skill development of underprivileged people. In 2020, he aided Mumbai’s dabbawalas during the COVID-19 lockdown, earning recognition. In 2022, he facilitated the rescue of 128 Nepalese women from sex trafficking in Mumbai’s Kamathipura, arranging their return to Nepal.
The Government of Maharashtra honored him with the Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award in 2020 for his charity work during the pandemic. Suniel captained the Mumbai Heroes in the Celebrity Cricket League (2011–2014). He received the Rajiv Gandhi Award in 2005 for contributions to cinema and entrepreneurship.
Suniel married Mana Shetty, a creative director and social activist, in 1991 after a nine-year courtship. Mana, born to a Gujarati Muslim father and a Punjabi Hindu mother, runs the NGO Save the Children India. They have two children: Athiya Shetty, an actress who debuted in Hero (2015), and Ahan Shetty, an actor who debuted in Tadap (2021). Athiya married cricketer KL Rahul in 2023, and they welcomed a daughter, Evaarah Vipula Rahul, in 2025. Suniel resides in Mumbai, maintaining a private life focused on fitness, philanthropy, and family.
Suniel Shetty on IMDB
