Sunil Shetty says he has rejected Rs 40 crore tobacco ad on principle
Suniel Shetty has revealed that he rejected a Rs 40 crore tobacco advertisement saying that personal values, health and his responsibilities as a father are more important than financial incentives.
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has revealed that he turned down an offer of Rs 40 crore to endorse a tobacco product, insisting that integrity and setting an example for his family mattered more than financial gain. In a recent interview, Shetty spoke about his decision and how personal challenges and values have shaped his approach towards both life and career.
Shetty made it clear that his moral stance was non-negotiable, saying, “For a few crores of rupees, would I compromise on that? No, I wouldn’t.” He stressed that for him, relevance is about continuity and the kind of legacy he wants to leave behind, not about constantly making headlines or achieving box office success.
The actor explained how his father’s illness and the period following his demise in 2017 completely took him away from films, saying, “Before he passed away in 2017, dad was unwell since 2014, and I was taking care of him. I was in no mental state. I had completely given up on films,” reflecting on the personal impact of this loss.
On the day of her father’s death, Shetty received an unexpected work opportunity, sharing, “However, that same morning I got an offer to do a health show. I saw it as a calling,” indicating how she was motivated to get back to work during an emotionally difficult time.
Shetty admitted that it was challenging to return to the industry after a gap of six to seven years, commenting, “When you take a gap of 6-7 years, you think that you don’t know your art, that things have changed, that no one knows you, I was not comfortable.” During this period he needed to rebuild his confidence and adapt to changes in the industry.
Describing the tobacco advertisement offer, Shetty said, “I have been offered Rs 40 crore for a tobacco advertisement,” adding, “I looked at them and said, ‘Do you think I will be attracted to the money? I won’t.’
Despite not being a current box office fixer, Shetty noted that the younger generation still admired him, explaining, “I’m not relevant when it comes to cinema or the box office, but still 17-18-year-olds look up to me. I get so much love and respect, it’s unreal,” and reiterated, “For a few crores, would I compromise with that? No, I wouldn’t.”
Shetty also spoke about her transformation after the pandemic: “After the pandemic, I started looking at myself differently. I built myself up, I started training, reading and doing many other things.” He attributes his enduring public image to his focus on personal growth and authenticity.