
Suniel Shetty has addressed the controversial comment made by Anil Kapoor regarding his and Akshay Kumar’s roles in the iconic film Mohra. In an interview with Radio Nasha, Suniel reflected on the time when Anil referred to him and Akshay as “50% waale heroes” after the poster of Mohra was released, a remark that has lingered in the industry’s discussions over the years.
The “50% Heroes” Comment
During the early days of Mohra’s release, Anil Kapoor, a well-established star in the industry, made the remark calling Suniel Shetty and Akshay Kumar “50% heroes,” suggesting that the film’s poster should have featured a single hero rather than two actors. Suniel, known for his roles in several successful films, looked back on that moment with mixed feelings.
When asked about the comment, Suniel confirmed, “Yes, there was this type of dialogue—I had seen it in the newspaper too. Lekin voh star the toh bol sakte the. (But he was a star, so he could say that.) He meant that a single hero should have been taken instead of two actors.”
While acknowledging the criticism, Suniel emphasized that both he and Akshay, being relatively newer in the industry at that time, understood Anil’s perspective. “Jawani mein hum sab ne kahin na kahin dialogue mara hai and media ko maza aata tha usse pick karne mein (We all said some dialogues in our youth, and the media had fun picking it up),” he added, noting that Anil’s comment might have been made in jest.
Suniel’s Response and Career Reflections
Despite the remark, Suniel Shetty, who has always admired Anil Kapoor’s work, admitted that it did sting. “Bura toh lagta hi hai, lekin kahin na kahin hume bhi pata tha ki hum voh stars bane nahi hai unke jitne bade nahi hai lekin kabhi na kabhi kuch na kuch hoga aur banenge (It did feel bad, but deep down we knew we hadn’t become stars like him or reached his level. Still, we knew that sooner or later something would happen, and we would).”
He credited Mohra as a career-changing film for him, especially in his relationship with Akshay Kumar. The film, an action-packed thriller, became a significant box-office hit and turned out to be a defining moment in Suniel’s career, marking his rise as a leading actor in Bollywood.
About Mohra and Its Impact
Directed by Rajiv Rai, Mohra was released in 1994 and quickly became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film featured a strong ensemble cast, including Naseeruddin Shah, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, and Paresh Rawal. The film is remembered for its thrilling narrative and strong performances, and it marked the first collaboration between Suniel, Akshay, and Paresh Rawal. Its success also helped solidify Suniel Shetty and Akshay Kumar’s positions in Bollywood.
Suniel Shetty’s Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Suniel Shetty is gearing up for his next major role in the historical action film Kesari Veer. Directed by Prince Dhiman, the film features an ensemble cast including Vivek Oberoi, Sooraj Pancholi, and Akanksha Sharma. It is scheduled to release on May 23, 2025. Additionally, Suniel is set to reprise his iconic role in Hera Pheri 3 alongside Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, and he will also star in Welcome to the Jungle.
Despite the challenges and critiques he has faced over the years, Suniel Shetty continues to carve his path in the industry, growing both as an actor and a producer.
Conclusion
Suniel Shetty’s recent comments show his maturity and self-reflection, particularly when dealing with criticisms in the competitive world of cinema. What seemed like a negative comment from Anil Kapoor years ago now appears as a stepping stone in Suniel’s career journey, highlighting how far he has come since the release of Mohra.
Sources By Agencies