Little do people know that Suniel Shetty is the man behind styling for films like Rajiv Rai’s Vishwatma and it is his stint as a stylist that paved the way for his career in Bollywood. In fact, it is with director-producer Rajiv Rai that both Jackie and Suniel have had each of their biggest hits respectively – Yudh and Mohra. When asked what they could imbibe from each other, Jackie picked Suneil’s business acumen as the latter invariably has business conversations anywhere he goes and converts opportunities smoothly. Suniel picked Jackie’s heroic persona and spirit as he is and will always be in awe of the superstar’s charisma.
“Suniel and Mana are the Godfather and Godmother to my kids. He’d taken brilliant care of my father, only like a son would, when he was unwell and I had commitments that I couldn’t escape from. So, if there’s anybody I would want Tiger or Krishna to ever turn to in trouble and I’m not around, that would have to be Suniel” said Dada tugging at Anna’s cheeks. Suniel added, “Dada and his family will always be role models for us. Tiger hugely inspires my son Aahan. I’d be very happy if he builds his career with as much dedication and sincerity.”
Diwali is a time best spent with those who are closest to us. Continuing with the spirit of joy is the chat show hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Sajid Khan. After testing the friendship between Amitabh Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha on their first episode, comic duo this time have none other than Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty as their guests. The show is about testing celebrity friendships through a series of fun games, tasks, challenges and the two actors who’ve been through the ups and downs of life together will speak of how they hit it off, what they admire about each other and divulge secrets that will let audiences get to know ‘Dada’ and ‘Anna’ better!
The chat show traces the two friends’ journey back to the time that Jackie and Suneil first met. The former was already a star known for his style and swagger and the latter would look up to him. Suniel’s hep and happening store with the trendiest clothes from across the world – Mischief was a big hit back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, especially with film stars sourcing many of their iconic film outfits and accessories from the boutique. Suniel recounted how Jackie would often come by and strip him off any stylish belt or shoes he was wearing … so much so that Suniel would quickly hide his shoes and belts before Jaggu Dada’s visits. He did admit, though, that Jackie posing for pictures in full tashan on the stairs of his store would go a long way in promoting the store. Jackie remembers Suniel as the stylish, trendy good looking Napean Sea road boy whose sister’s visits to the US would bring home a stash of really cool jeans that he would invariably raid. Being a fitness freak and a ‘dude’ in his own right even before his film career took off, Suniel would emulate Jackie’s rugged body language – he particularly remembers this stance where Jackie’s feet would be wide apart and he’d give a killer sideways look. Suneil had the studio audience in splits when he mentioned that he’d stand at his usual hangouts in a similar pose and people would ask, “Some problem, dude?” Jackie’s style was and is truly inimitable, Shetty said.
