Suniel Shetty on how he became different from other action heroes: ‘Do death-defying stunts, take that risk’

“I started off as an actor, not believing that I will get an opportunity. I was this South Indian boy there, who doesn’t speak the language. Of course I spoke Hindi in school but I managed to get through with probably 40-45 out of 100. When it came to Hindi, my diction was never good because we spoke Tulu at home. We never spoke in Hindi,” said Suniel.

The actor added, “I got into the business of cinema, thanks to my martial arts background. I believed that I was going to be successful like probably a Mr. Bachchan but then when the results come out, you see success at the box office but there is a critique writing you off completely and saying that you wouldn’t succeed. The reality hits you so hard. You don’t know what to do. So you take a step back and decide the only way I can stay here is if I create an image for myself. What is my strength? Action. Work on it but there are a lot of others who are doing action too. Then, do death-defying stunts, take that risk, let that family not know but go every morning to do action believing that either you are going to come back with a broken bone or you are not going to come back at all.”

Suniel Shetty, who has been part of several hit films such as Mohra, Dhadkan, Border and Hera Pheri, feels that people often forget how tough being an action hero is.

“Being an action hero is a very tough job. People believe it’s a very glamourous world. Glamour is only there because you are on the screen and there’s extra love for you. Other than that, it’s hard work. It’s constant pressure,” said Suniel.