‘I hope Athiya conducts herself well’

Actor Suniel Shetty (right) feels he has earned respect and maintained a clean image in his more than two decades of showbiz career because of his conduct. Now, he wants daughter

Athiya (left) to follow in his footsteps.

Athiya, 22, is making her Bollywood debut with Nikhil Advani’s remake of the 1983 film, Hero, alongside newcomer Sooraj Pancholi. The happy father says, “I don’t have to tell her anything. I was worried because Athiya was always watching me. In 26 years, I don’t know what I have earned but there is lot of goodwill and blessing that I have got. I have conducted myself that way, I hope Athiya will do the same.” The Hera Pheri actor said Athiya was passionate about acting right from childhood. “She did plays in her school. I am glad she asked me if I would be happy with her joining films. I said, ‘I am in this industry and it is a beautiful industry. It is the most beautiful and safe place for girls. If they want to conduct themselves right, then nobody can trouble them,” adds the actor. When Suniel made his acting debut there was no one to guide him, but now that Athiya is entering the industry, he and actor Salman Khan, who is launching her, are there to help her. “I don’t regret my time. I was strong. I stood on my own... fell down. I did death defying stunts. I am happy that I am there for my children,” the 53-yearold adds.

“Athiya doesn’t know much about the real world. I am happy we are there to guide them,” says Shetty, adding, “Athiya is extremely hard working and passionate. The only thing she told me is, ‘Dad, I did so many takes today but I am not happy... Nikhil sir said it is ok but I did not like it’.”