ENTERTAINMENT
Suniel Shetty says his children, actors Athiya and Ahan, have had “their fair share of struggles” and that things weren’t given to them on a platter just because they were star kids
Suniel Shetty talks about his children Athiya Shetty and Ahaan Shetty, and how it wasn’t all that easy for his children to become part of the Hindi film industry.
Athiya Shetty (inset) had her famous father Suniel Shetty’s backing when she made her debut in Bollywood. But Suniel says that it wasn’t all that easy for his kids to be a part of the Hindi film industry. Suniel, who has been around in Bollywood for over three decades, says he also had to learn to survive the tough way. “I never had a godfather in my career. I have never stuck to a successful director to be successful. I did it all on my own. Of course, my kids have my support, but it’s not like it’s been an easy ride for them. Athiya was not offered 100 films but she chose to wait for the right film to make her debut. Similarly, she has been patient to pick her second film as well. Ahan, too, has worked really hard to bag his first film. But they do know that after the first film, it is only talent that will help them survive,” he says. Suniel touches on nepotism too, a topic of hot discussion in B-Town of late. “I don’t understand why we are talking about nepotism in just Bollywood? Whether its business or any other profession, when you grow up in a household with a particular upbringing, you are bound to get influenced by it. Movies are our business, and if my kids are interested in films because of me, who’s to judge?” says Suniel, adding, “The entire world wants to be a part of the entertainment industry, why shouldn’t my kids be here? Especially, if they’re capable. Being a star kid also comes with its own set of responsibilities and they’re aware of it. People should look into their own homes and families before commenting on other people and their lives. All this talk of nepotism should stop.”
Athiya has been patient to pick her second film as well. Ahan, too, has worked really hard to bag his first film. SUNIEL SHETTY, ACTOR