If you say that Athiya is not a good actor, I will accept your take: Suniel Shetty

Actor Suniel Shetty, who made his Bollywood debut with the film Balwaan (1992), feels that formula films are essential for every star kid who aspires to become an actor. “When any star kid is being launched, what that kid needs is reach and it only comes when you are a part of a formula film, which has good music and gives you a chance to showcase your talent,” he says.

The 55-year old actor’s daughter Athiya made her debut with the 2015 film Hero opposite actor Sooraj Pancholi, while his son Ahan has been reportedly signed by producer-director Sajid Nadiadwala. Like every protective father, Suniel, too, was affected by the criticism Athiya had to face for her performance in her first film, which didn’t do well at the box-office. But he says that his protective side only comes out when the criticism tends to take a turn towards being nasty. He says, “I am willing to accept criticism for their work. If you say that professionally my daughter is not a good actor, I will accept your take. But if the intentions are not right, my protective side will come out very strongly.”

Suniel rues the fact that while his image has always been that of a tough, macho hero, his ability to do justice to comedy roles has remained untapped. “At home, we always kid around, and I have this prankster side to me as well. But unfortunately, that side has always been left unexplored in films. I constantly subject my family to pranks at home, because it keeps everyone in good spirits — that’s the way our family stays connected,” says Suniel, who has been a part of comedy films such as Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006).

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