Suniel Shetty birthday special: 5 lesser-known facts about Bollywood’s ‘Anna’ you probably didn’t know

Today, August 11, marks the 65th birthday of Suniel Shetty. Over the span of his 30-year career, Suniel went from one of the most coveted action heroes to an entrepreneur, producer, and a television personality.

Although fans know him with the name “Anna” and recognize him from his famous films Mohra, Border, Dhadkan, and Hera Pheri, there are many chapters in the actor’s life that reveal how different his life has been. Here, we present to you the facts that reveal the other side of the coin about the personality called Suniel Shetty.

• He started working at his father’s restaurant at just 16

Before becoming a Bollywood actor, Suniel worked at his father’s restaurant. As stated in his professional resume, he began working in the restaurant at the age of 16. Suniel believes that the initial years have instilled into him the importance of discipline and hard work.

• He is trained in martial arts and holds a black belt in kickboxing

He wasn’t completely molded into the superhero persona he plays in films. Suniel Shetty showed interest in martial arts and sports from a young age and is well-known for his black belt in kickboxing. The physical training he underwent subsequently became a huge part of his personality.

• ‘Anna’ wasn’t a name he gave himself

The name that became synonymous with Suniel Shetty was not his creation. Shetty disclosed that Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt helped popularise his nickname “Anna” when they collaborated on Kaante. “Anna” stands for elder brother in South Indian languages, and Shetty remarked that he likes being called by that name since it has a touch of respect attached to it.

• His father’s incredible journey inspired one of his biggest real-estate connections

In 2024, Shetty disclosed an amazing fact regarding his late father, Veerappa Shetty. When his father came to Mumbai from Mangalore as a nine-year-old, he started off working at a South Indian restaurant and even sleeping in a sack of rice there. He later became a restaurant manager and finally owned three buildings where he had worked. Suniel said he still owns all three buildings now.

• His debut came with criticism so harsh that he considered leaving Bollywood

Shetty’s first acting project was Balwaan released back in 1992. While the film could be regarded a success, the young artist did not escape negative critique and harsh reviews about his performance. Eventually, the newcomer said in an interview that he had been so discouraged by the unkind comments that he was thinking of quitting acting altogether. However, he continued working and ended up making it big with project like Mohra, Gopi Kishan, Border, and Dhadkan.

From action hero to ‘Anna’ and entrepreneur

What is interesting about Shetty’s way to the stars is that acting was by no means his only achievement. He has worked at his family restaurant long before entering the film industry, tried his hand at fashion, has produced movies and also created business.

Now he is celebrating his 65th birthday, and is still one of the few Bollywood stars whose reach goes far beyond the cinema.