In the world of Bollywood, the tales of camaraderie and generosity often stir hearts and inspire many. One such story has recently come to light, showcasing how veteran actor Suniel Shetty played a pivotal role in the success of renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra. During a recent conversation on Bharti TV’s podcast with Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa, Chhabra revealed the remarkable contribution Shetty made to his early career.
It was during the time when Mukesh Chhabra was collaborating with Suniel Shetty’s daughter, Athiya Shetty, on her debut film ‘Hero’. Recognizing the potential and dedication of Chhabra, Suniel Shetty took an extraordinary step that would leave an indelible mark on the casting director’s career. Shetty offered his bungalow in Aram Nagar to Chhabra for office space, a gesture that significantly eased Chhabra’s professional pressures.
Detailing the incident, Chhabra recounted, “When I started flourishing as a casting director, Suniel Shetty, who is one of the best human beings in Mumbai, had a bungalow in Aram Nagar called 160. At that time, I was doing a film with his daughter Athiya Shetty, Hero. So he told me, ‘Why are you working in such a small office? Take my bungalow in Aram Nagar.’ I said, ‘I’m under a lot of pressure.’ So he said, ‘Don’t worry, just keep doing good work.’ That man doesn’t tell anyone the good deeds he does. He gave me such a huge bungalow at Aram Nagar. He said, ‘Don’t worry about rent. You’ve done so much for my daughter, just take this bungalow.'”
This act of kindness could not have come at a better time for Chhabra, who was then under significant stress. He utilized the opportunity to set up a more established base for his casting business. He shared, “I started my work there, decorated the new office, created a new logo, and inaugurated the office. When I did the inauguration, a lot of actors turned up, like Rajkummar Rao. I worked with my close friends and built the company together.
. Gradually, we reached a stage where now we have offices in Chandigarh, Delhi, and London.”
Suniel Shetty’s support went beyond just providing a space. It acted as a vote of confidence in Chhabra’s abilities, nudging him towards greater heights. Chhabra’s initiative in terms of setting up a new office and developing a professional logo showcased his determination to make the best of the opportunity given to him.
The story of generosity continues to unfold. Athiya Shetty, who was making her Bollywood debut with ‘Hero’ opposite Sooraj Pancholi, received substantial support from Chhabra’s professional prowess. Her brother, Ahan Shetty, also faced critical moments in his career. He recently made headlines following a contentious claim by Sajid Nadiadwala regarding his entourage costs. Ahan made his debut opposite Tara Sutaria in the 2021 film ‘Tadap’. Despite the film not performing as expected at the box office, it was a significant step for Ahan in the Bollywood industry.
The film ‘Tadap’, a remake of the Telugu film RX 100, was directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment banner. During the production, there were reports that Nadiadwala was considering withdrawing his support owing to the high costs associated with Ahan’s entourage. It was reported that Suniel Shetty personally intervened, requesting Nadiadwala not to halt the project and even offered to assist with the expenses.
Suniel Shetty’s actions reflect a broader trend of seasoned professionals in the Bollywood industry playing crucial roles in mentoring and supporting new talent. His unwavering support for his children, Athiya and Ahan, as well as for industry professionals like Mukesh Chhabra, underscores his belief in uplifting others as a pathway to collective success.
In an industry often characterized by fierce competition and cutthroat rivalries, stories like these provide a refreshing perspective. They echo the timeless principle that success is not just the result of individual effort but also the outcome of collaborative support and goodwill. As Chhabra continues to thrive in his casting career, with offices now established in Chandigarh, Delhi, and London, it’s clear that Suniel Shetty’s generous gesture played no small part in his journey to the top.
As Bollywood continues to evolve and grow, the bonds of friendship and mentorship, as demonstrated by Suniel Shetty, will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone for many more success stories in the years to come.
