Creator Economy Summit: I was one of the first actors in the game of seeking equity from startups, says Suniel Shetty

Although Bollywood star Suniel Shetty used to only invest in real estate like most other actors earlier, he was one of the first among his peers to ask startups for equity, the noted action hero said at the Moneycontrol Creator Economy Summit on October 31.

“Because of young creators and startups, you want to back them. Also because they are damn good at what they do… Earlier, actors really just invested in real estate and just left it to be. Today times have changed. That's why you see sportspersons and actors invest in startups,” he said.

“A lot of startups came to me. The first thing I asked is are you going to give equity. I was one of the first actors in the game,” he added.

The veteran actor has invested in several startups, including jewellery brand MetaMan, NFT marketplace Colexion, health-tech startup Vieroots, wellness nutrition brand BodyFirst and fitness brand Aquatein, among others.

Shetty, who started his film journey in 1992 and has acted in around 120 films, has also been an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry.

"Even though I come from an F&B background, all my restaurants have shut shop because I couldn't focus," he said.

Box office and life

At the Moneycontrol Creator Economy Summit, the Bollywood veteran revealed about a time when he was faced with failure at the box office.

“I couldn't bounce back at a certain point because nobody was willing to put the money on me. When you don't have an option, you don't have to give up. I reinvented myself when it came to fitness,” Shetty said.

“I don't believe I am special. I accepted failure when my films didn't work. I made bad choices. Picture nahin chali toh nahin chali. I stepped back and a new world was available. I reinvented myself when it came to fitness,” he added.

Talking to influencer Niharika NM, Shetty stressed that it is important to be disciplined and consistent in life, come what may.

“I get a lot of love and affection wherever I go. But that doesn't always translate to ticket sales. I enjoyed ruling the box office for a few years. How many people get that?” he asked.

Favourite cricketer

It is known that the actor’s daughter Athiya is married to Indian cricketer KL Rahul who has played a few important knocks in the team’s ongoing World Cup campaign.

When asked who is his favourite cricketer, however, a momentarily reticent Shetty surprised the audience with an unexpected choice — former India captain Virat Kohli.

“My favourite cricketer in today's time is Virat Kohli… KL is my son. You don't talk about family... Virat is the master of chasing,” Shetty explained.

“I wanted to play for the country. That is being manifested through my son-in-law (KL Rahul),” he later added.