Biography
Who is Sunil Shetty?
Early Life and Family
Sunil Shetty was born on August 11, 1961, in Mulki, Mysore State, India. He belongs to a Tulu-speaking Bunt family. His father, Veerappa Shetty, initially worked as a waiter before establishing his own restaurant business in Mumbai. Sunil completed his early schooling at the Lawrence School, Sanawar, in Himachal Pradesh. He later earned a commerce degree from H.R. College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai.
During his youth, Sunil developed a strong interest in sports. He pursued martial arts, achieving a black belt in kickboxing. Before entering the film industry, he assisted his father in the family's restaurant business, managing Udupi-style eateries in Mumbai. He married Mana Shetty in 1991. They have two children, a daughter named Athiya Shetty and a son named Ahan Shetty. Both of his children have also become actors, with Athiya debuting in Hero (2015) and Ahan in Tadap (2021).
Film Career Highlights
Sunil Shetty began his Hindi film career in 1992 with the action film Balwaan, starring opposite Divya Bharti. He became well known in 1994 with the blockbuster film Mohra and the action-comedy Gopi Kishan, where he played a dual role. Throughout the 1990s, he established himself as a leading action hero, performing his own stunts in many films. Well-known action roles include Waqt Hamara Hai (1993), Dilwale (1994), and Border (1997), where he played Captain Bhairon Singh.
In the early 2000s, Sunil expanded his range, venturing into comedy with films like the cult classic Hera Pheri (2000), Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar (2001), and Phir Hera Pheri (2006). He also took on antagonistic roles, earning a Filmfare Award for Best Villain for Dhadkan (2000). Other well-known roles include Main Hoon Na (2004) and Rudraksh (2004). He debuted in Tamil cinema with 12B (2001) and later appeared in Darbar (2020) alongside Rajinikanth. In 2023, he portrayed ACP Vikram Chauhan in the web series Hunter Tootega Nahi Todega.
Other Ventures and Appearances
Beyond acting, Sunil Shetty is a film producer under his banner Popcorn Motion Pictures, which has produced films such as Khel, No Ordinary Game (2003) and Rakht (2004). He co-founded F...the Couch (FTC), an online casting platform, with Mukesh Chhabra. Sunil has also hosted reality shows like Biggest Loser Jeetega (2007) and India’s Asli Champion Hai Dam? He served as the captain of the Mumbai Heroes cricket team in the Celebrity Cricket League.
Sunil has invested in a health and fitness startup called Squats. He also co-owns Club H2O in Mumbai and previously owned Mischief Dining Bar. He started a luxury furniture and home lifestyle store, R House, in Mumbai with his wife Mana in 2013. Also, he is involved in philanthropic initiatives, including advising the Vipla Foundation, which supports underprivileged communities. In 2008, he contributed to the rescue and repatriation of 128 Nepalese women from sex trafficking in Mumbai.
Birthday and age
Sunil Shetty was born on August 11, 1961, which makes Sunil 65 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Sunil shares the date with 57 other famous people.
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