Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has revealed that he turned down a lucrative endorsement offer worth INR 40 crore from a tobacco brand, saying he could not compromise on his values.
Speaking in a recent interview, the 64-year-old actor said he considers himself a role model for the younger generation and therefore cannot associate with products he does not personally believe in.
“I consider myself a role model for the youth, so I cannot associate with something I don’t believe in,” Shetty said. He added that he has never compromised his principles for money and has never used his children’s names for commercial gain.
Despite being less active in films in recent years, Shetty said he is humbled by the fact that teenagers aged 17 and 18 still look up to him. “That, for me, is my biggest achievement,” he said.
The actor also shared that he took a break from acting due to his father’s prolonged illness. He revealed that he received an offer to return to films on the very day his father passed away, calling it an emotional moment in his life.
Reflecting on the post-pandemic period, Shetty said he began focusing more on himself, which helped him achieve financial stability, mental peace, and renewed confidence. He also credited the media and his fans for their continued support, saying it has kept him grounded even as he stepped away from the box office spotlight.
Suniel Shetty’s remarks have been widely appreciated online, with many praising his firm stance against endorsing harmful products and his emphasis on responsibility as a public figure.
