Veteran Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has revealed that he rejected a ₹40 crore offer to endorse a tobacco brand, emphasizing his commitment to personal values and setting a positive example for his children, Ahan and Athiya. In a recent interview with Peeping Moon, Shetty, whose career spans over three decades, explained that his principles have always guided his decisions, both professionally and personally.
Shetty stated that he made a firm decision long ago to never promote tobacco products, regardless of the financial incentive. "I was offered ₹40 crore for a tobacco ad, and I looked at them and said, 'Do you really think I'll fall for it?' I won't," he recounted. He acknowledged that while he could have used the money, endorsing something he doesn't believe in was not an option. "It is something that I don't believe in," he said. "I won't do anything that will leave a blemish on Ahan and Athiya, on everybody".
The actor's decision stems from a deep sense of responsibility towards his family and the legacy he wishes to leave behind. Shetty expressed that he owes everything to his health, which has provided him opportunities in the film industry. He feels it would be an injustice to himself if he didn't consider his body a place of worship. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of the example he sets for the younger generation, stating that even though he may not be as relevant at the box office, he still receives a lot of love and respect from 17 to 20-year-olds.
Shetty's stance is particularly noteworthy in an industry where many celebrities have faced criticism for endorsing tobacco and alcohol brands. While such endorsements often come with hefty paychecks, they also raise questions about the responsibility of public figures, especially concerning their influence on young audiences. Actors like Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn have previously faced backlash for promoting pan masala brands, with some viewers questioning whether a fitness enthusiast like Kumar should endorse such products. Kumar later apologized to his fans.
Beyond his professional choices, Shetty also spoke about a difficult period in his life following the illness and death of his father, Veerappa Shetty, in 2017. He revealed that his father had been unwell since 2014, and caring for him took an emotional toll that led him to step away from acting. After a break of six to seven years, Shetty returned to films, describing the comeback as challenging but transformative, helping him focus on fitness, self-growth, and inner confidence.
Suniel Shetty's children, Ahan and Athiya, have both made their mark in the Bollywood industry. Ahan Shetty, following in his father's footsteps, debuted in the movie "Tadap" in 2021 and is now starring in "Border 2," which released January 23, 2026. Athiya Shetty, who is married to cricketer KL Rahul and recently welcomed a daughter named Evaarah, made her acting debut with the film "Hero". She was last seen in "Go Noni Go" in 2025.
Shetty's decision to reject the lucrative tobacco ad offer underscores his unwavering commitment to his principles and the well-being of his family. He said that after his rejection of the offer, nobody even dares to approach him with such offers.
