Suniel Shetty Turns Down ₹40 Crore Tobacco Endorsement

Veteran actor Suniel Shetty has revealed that he once refused a staggering ₹40 crore offer to endorse a tobacco brand, stating that money cannot come at the cost of values—especially when young people continue to look up to him. In a candid interview, the actor admitted that while he may no longer be “relevant at the box office,” his influence among 17–18-year-olds made the decision clear and non-negotiable.

Now a grandfather and still admired for his discipline and fitness, Suniel said he feels a deep sense of responsibility toward the younger generation. Despite being away from mainstream cinema for years, he believes public respect and credibility matter more than commercial relevance.

Suniel Shetty on Rejecting ₹40 Crore Tobacco Ad Offer

Speaking openly about celebrities endorsing tobacco and liquor brands, Suniel said he refused the offer without hesitation, even though he acknowledged that the money could have been useful at the time.

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“I have been offered ₹40 crore for a tobacco ad. I looked at him and said, ‘Do you think I will fall for the money? I won’t.’ I probably needed that money, but no, I won’t do it. It is something that I don’t believe in,” he said.

The actor added that he would never do anything that could negatively impact the values of his children, Ahan Shetty and Athiya Shetty. According to him, such choices leave a lasting impression that goes far beyond financial gain.

“I’m Not Relevant at the Box Office, But Youth Still Respect Me”

Suniel acknowledged that he no longer commands the box office the way he did in the 1990s, yet he feels blessed by the respect he continues to receive from young people.

“I am not relevant when it comes to cinema or box office, but still 17–18 year olds look up to me. I get so much love and respect, it is unreal. So will I do it for a few crores? No, I won’t,” he said.

Father’s Illness, Loss, and a Five-Year Break from Acting

During the conversation, Suniel also opened up about a deeply personal phase that led him to step away from films for nearly five years. He shared that his father was unwell from 2014 until his passing in 2017, and caring for him took an emotional toll.

“Before passing away in 2017, dad was unwell from 2014, and I was looking after him. I was not in a state of mind. I had completely quit,” he recalled.

In an unexpected turn, Suniel received an offer to host a health show on the very morning his father passed away. He described the moment as surreal and chose to see it as a sign to restart his professional journey.

Comeback, Confidence, and Life After the Pandemic

After resuming work with a few South Indian films, Suniel admitted he initially struggled with self-doubt, feeling disconnected from his craft after such a long gap. However, the post-pandemic period became transformative for him.

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He said he focused on rebuilding himself through training, reading, and self-reflection, which helped him gain confidence without seeking external validation.

“God has been kind. Lakshmiji has been kind every time I need her. That gives you a different kind of confidence. That confidence changed everything in me,” he said.

Suniel also credited the media and his loyal fans for keeping him relevant during his absence from the limelight, adding that audiences today prefer authenticity over constant self-promotion.

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