Suniel Shetty – actor, businessman, entrepreneur, digital innovator and all-round Mr-Nice-Guy, arrived in the world’s greatest movie industry (Bollywood); the only way he knew. With a big bang. And several knock-outs, drop-kicks and demolition of all bad guys and enemies of India – all for the cinema screen. He soon became the action star everyone wanted to emulate and have as the protective big brother. Hence the local name for ‘brother’ stuck – ‘Anna’ – as he’s popularly known worldwide. His phenomenal fitness levels and physique spawned a new breed of fit stars following diet and wellness regimes.
‘Anna’ was born in Mangalore, Karnataka on August 11, 1961; to Veerappa and Prema Shetty. He has two siblings, Sujata Hegde & Sumita Prathap. Suniel’s wife, Monisha (aka Mana) is the daughter of ex-Mumbai Sheriff and renowned architect, I.M Qadri. Suniel and Mana have two children, Athiya Shetty and Ahaan Shetty, both movie stars.
Suniel Shetty won some of the most coveted National level awards in film in his expansive career. His vision and desire is to help every way in making India a prominent tourist destination and superpower. His movies ‘Border’ and others highlight his first love – his country.
Suniel has proved his acumen as a man with an all-encompassing understanding of business. It is this interest that has inspired him to get into ventures like real estate, exports, construction, hospitality and fashion. His commitment in undertaking any project makes him the man with the Midas touch. This is evident in all his successful running of the various businesses he is involved in, be it, Movie Production, Event Management, Entertainment, Reality Shows etc.
In 2011 Suniel launched ‘S2 Realty & Developers Private Limited (S2)’- to develop and sell lifestyle packages in building vacation homes, resorts and luxury living spaces.
In 2013 he launched ‘R House’, a Furnishings & Home Décor Lifestyle Interiors- Exteriors Solution Store. Its launch was one of the most well attended events with the who’s-who of celebrity-dom in attendance.
In 2016,Suniel launched FTC Talent Media & Entertainment – an M&E with the vision of providing employment and opportunities to entertainment professionals. Connecting actors, and film professionals to content creators via an App. FTC expanded into the Media, Entertainment and content space. And with global reach. FTC became the one-stop-shop for all production needs. The FTC APP was the 2020 winner of the Prime Minister’s pet initiative – The AatmaNirbhar Bharat Digital Challenge and is curated by the Government of India; with the PM inviting people to download this homegrown success story.
Suniel also led several initiatives to promote fitness and preventive wellness in India through various media liaisons Suniel acquired stake in Netsurf, an Event Management company for the global Indian. He successfully held a series of Bryan Adams concerts pan-India, He has also been associated as a Brand Ambassador for the renowned brands like Beardo, Thums-Up, Colgate powder, Atlas Cycles, Ford Endeavour, Lux Vests, Hayward 5000 soda, Sangam Suiting & Shirting.
As a fitness enthusiast, Suniel has a stake in Trans Stadia, a company that builds sports infrastructure. His love for cricket continues as Mentor & ex-Captain of the ‘Mumbai Heros, Celebrity Cricket Team’.
Suniel is actively involved with the well-known NGO, ‘SAVE THE CHILDREN, INDIA’,which helps educate and empower social and economic development of underprivileged children. He is also an advisor and active fundraiser in this NGO’s charitable arm – ‘Aaraish’.
Not surprisingly, Suniel is a teetotaler and has turned down all endorsement offers to promote alcohol. He doesn’t smoke and is a crusader against tobacco. Especially since he is a campaigner for Cancer prevention and awareness. His latest initiative was raising funds to feed Mumbai’s dabbawalas stricken by a debilitating pandemic.