Our ‘Anna’ of Bollywood, Suniel Shetty, wears multiple hats, from being the OG actor that he is to his active involvement in social causes. This week for Celeb Talk, he interacts exclusively with The Pioneer’s Tejal Sinha, divulging his wellness and fitness mantra.
An omnipotent actor of the 1990s, Ahh, correction! Not just the 90s but to date! His name is enough to make any movie buff take pause and bow for the actor, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist that he has been throughout. If you’re still guessing who we are talking of, well, it’s none other than the ‘Anna’ of Bollywood, Suniel Shetty.
This week of ‘Celeb Talk’ has been special in its own way. We not only have the OG Suniel Shetty on board with us, but today we’ve got to bring out the answer to the biggest question any Suniel Shetty fan would have in their mind: ‘How is he still so fit?’ So, just rest back, take a cup of coffee or tea this morning, relax, and give this a read to know his fitness regime and how he keeps his calm to the best. Over the years, no doubt, not only our ‘Pappas’, but we too, have just not stopped adoring him for his fitness and healthy lifestyle that he maintains. “Staying fit through regular training leads to the release of dopamine, which is linked to feeling happy,” enunciates the Dilwale actor. “Exercise and healthy eating contribute to mental stability, ensuring a positive state of mind. This is why I make it a point to train consistently, maintain my fitness, and stay relevant. I’m quite involved in learning about fitness; I read extensively and observe those who introduce innovative methods. I adapt, listen, and appreciate these ideas, which all contribute to maintaining my mental equilibrium. I consciously avoid feelings of jealousy or being overly influenced by high achievers. Rather than being envious or trying to compete, it’s better to aim for personal improvement and view others as sources of inspiration, goals, mentors, and all-encompassing motivators.”
Now if you think our very own Anna is reverse-ageing, well, that’s what he calls it. He believes that he’s just slowed down the ageing process by following a disciplined routine and maintaining healthy eating habits. “I wake up at 6 AM and ensure I am in bed by 10 PM. I also control my salt and sugar intake. I make it a point to take Sundays off. My work hours are from 10 AM to around 6 PM, and after that, I prioritise spending quality time with friends and family and engaging in activities I enjoy, like playing sports or travelling on weekends, especially to nature-rich places like the farm or going on safaris. Following a structured meal routine, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is crucial for me,” he shares, adding that he makes a conscious effort to manage his time wisely and surround himself with positive individuals who uplift his spirits.
Ergo, he’s got a simple wellness philosophy: Wellness is far cheaper than illness; one needs to understand this and prioritise health over wealth. And this has been the ‘mantra’, as we say, that he’s been following since day one. In fact, when under intense pressure, he says, “I find solace in talking to the people who matter most to me — my family, friends, wife, and children. I seek their support, discuss my concerns, and together we work towards finding positive solutions.”
People often assume that the life of an actor always seems to remain the same lavish and luxurious lifestyle that they live. But a lot goes behind. And one thing that many go through is mental exhaustion, just like many of us. The Mohra actor believes it too, as he voices, “It’s important to acknowledge that the entertainment industry can bring both high pressure and uncertain periods of reduced work. As someone from the Bollywood industry, I’ve learned to manage mental stress effectively. While I’ve faced failures, I don’t allow them to overwhelm me. Whether it’s too much work or a lack of it, finding a balance and seeking help when needed is essential for maintaining good mental health.”
He’s always been a strong believer in making a positive impact, which is a great way to show appreciation and uplift one’s spirits. And so he ensures active involvement in his philanthropic efforts and commitment to a social cause — making him feel good, which is, in the end, his ultimate goal. In fact, he goes on further to credit his mother-in-law, who has been the namesake of the ‘Vipla Foundation’, which has had a significant impact on his emotions. He continues, “It teaches me that giving brings immense joy. A saying from my mother-in-law that I hold dear is, ‘What we receive and how we earn a living come from what we give; giving can shape a life’. She showed me the value of giving and the importance of sharing in life. Her wisdom has always been to give without expecting, but remember the kindness you receive. She dedicated her life to children, especially those associated with the Vipla Foundation.”
Actors certainly have a role to play and should use their fame and influence for the greater good. And he couldn’t agree more, as he says, “It’s not limited to just actors; anyone blessed with abundance has a responsibility to positively impact others. That’s why I agreed to be a part of the Let’s Get Happi app. In this digital age, especially after the pandemic, many children are facing challenges. I believe that having a 24/7 helpline will provide them a way to connect with professionals who can listen and assist them anonymously.”
Over the past decades, there has been a radical shift in responses to people who experience mental health problems. In fact, he believes that the pressure today is even more intense than what people faced earlier. Back then, he recalls, “We had strong backing from the police, the system, and a supportive, close-knit family, as well as friends who made a significant impact — all of which aided in my progress. My upbringing has been humble and secure, and although I do worry about the health of my loved ones, I’ve never been influenced or frightened by authority or threats. When I know I’m doing the right thing, fear doesn’t sway me. While it did disrupt my peace, I must credit the Mumbai Police for ensuring exceptional security measures.”
He went on to recall, “When I was growing up, we never talked about mental health, and I wasn’t even aware of what it meant. I was a happy-go-lucky kid who enjoyed sports and focused on excelling in things I knew I had to conquer. Back then, we had a tougher mindset and were more prepared to handle challenges, which was something we considered a luxury. However, in today’s world, it has become a necessity for children to address their mental well-being.”
We are very well aware of the underworld’s and mafia’s impact on the film business. Celebrities in the industry had been involved in a number of such instances, and Suniel was not exempt either. But he stood strong, not just for himself but for his family too. Certainly, he stresses the positive company you are in, enabling you to progress. He expounds, “If you allow success and failure to affect you deeply and if you let your status overwhelm you, it can become a challenge. Supportive and genuine people bring out the best in you and propel you forward. I’m an actor myself, and while I’ve faced disappointment when my films didn’t do well at the box office, I didn’t let it get to me. It’s important to differentiate between your roles as a human being, an actor, and a family member. Prioritising family is vital, as it helps manage these matters.”
He further enunciates how, in today’s world, with the prevalence of social media, strangers can take potshots at us, and unfortunately, we often focus on that more than the opinions of our loved ones. “It seems that we’ve created problems for ourselves due to social media, and it’s essential to free ourselves from this burden and take breaks from it when needed. Prioritising our mental well-being requires stepping away from the virtual world from time to time,” says the Rakshak actor, to whom mental health is about achieving stability and being in a happy state of mind, able to handle life’s challenges like stress and pressure without feeling overwhelmed.
Now, as we come to the end of this informative and inspirational talk with him, the paragon Suniel Shetty, on a brighter note, shares that over the years, he has further enunciated how he has overcome recovering from things that upset him in a week or just 1-2 days, which earlier affected him for several days.
