‘Blood and gore are things I don’t like about films today’: Suniel Shetty slams Bollywood’s hypermasculine violence, says no point competing with kids half your age
Suniel Shetty, who turned 65 this month, has offered a candid look at how his mindset around work and identity has shifted over the decades. In a heartfelt LinkedIn note, the actor spoke about moving away from chasing financial milestones toward a more grounded, purpose-driven phase of both his career and personal life.
Embracing age on screen and off
Shetty spoke at length about the importance of accepting age-appropriate roles, calling it central to his continued relevance in the industry. “Accepting roles which were age-appropriate is the only reason I’ve landed myself into this position, because there’s no point competing with kids half your age who are better looking, better built, and masters of their craft,” he said. He also addressed how he approaches ageing itself, framing it as a natural process rather than something to resist entirely. “I’m consistently working on myself, so I wouldn’t say it’s anti-ageing, but I’ve delayed the process of ageing, and it’s nothing to be shy about. Wrinkles will always be there, and that is a part of my life now.”
On Bollywood’s shifting idea of masculinity
Having built his early career as one of the leading action heroes of the 1990s, Shetty also reflected on how depictions of on-screen masculinity have changed since his time. Comparing the writing of that era with today’s films, he said, “Alpha were the scripts then… It’s sometimes difficult to even watch a complete action scene because of blood and gore in it, and that’s the only thing that I don’t like about films today,” pointing to the increasingly graphic nature of contemporary action cinema as something he personally finds off-putting.
The secret behind his continued relevance
Asked about what has kept him consistently relevant in the industry, Shetty credited his selectiveness in choosing projects and collaborators, along with a sense of inner contentment. “I guess it’s because I’m not easily available. I’ve made sure that I only associate with people I believe will help me grow and do something that leaves a positive impact on people. I am relevant also because I have a very positive approach to life. I’m very content, happy and very secure, and that is basically the relevance. I am who I am. I’m absolutely honest about everything that has happened in my life, whether it’s my failure or the mistakes I’ve made,” he shared.
How his relationship with money has changed
Shetty also opened up about how his motivations have evolved over the years. Early in his career, work was largely driven by the need to secure his family’s financial future. With those goals long since achieved, his priorities have since shifted toward more meaningful and fulfilling pursuits, rather than continuing to chase commercial milestones.Despite this change in mindset, Shetty remains active and in demand, having recently featured in the comedy ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, with an upcoming action film alongside Tiger Shroff reportedly also in the pipeline.
