Suniel Shetty, the Bollywood veteran, is currently riding a wave of heartwarming personal and professional updates. From embracing his role as a doting grandfather to opening up about his camaraderie with fellow actors Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar, Shetty is winning hearts both on and off the screen.
The ‘Doodhwala’ Joke: Ajay Devgn’s Friendly Jab
In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Suniel Shetty revealed a lighthearted anecdote about his friendship with Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar. He shared that Ajay often jokingly refers to him and Akshay as “2 doodhwale” (two milkmen) of the film industry. The reason? Both Suniel and Akshay are known for their disciplined lifestyles, including early morning routines and going to bed early.
“I go to bed by 10 or 10:30 pm. You’ll never find me awake after that,” Suniel said, adding with a laugh, “That’s why Ajay Devgn jokes that there are two milkmen in the film industry—Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty. We’re the ones supplying milk early in the morning.”
This playful jab highlights the strong bond and mutual respect shared between the three actors, who have been friends since the 90s. While the industry often sees news of rivalries, Suniel, Ajay, and Akshay exemplify a friendship that has stood the test of time. They debuted around the same time and have supported each other’s journeys.
Suniel has expressed his admiration for Ajay and Akshay, acknowledging their achievements and drawing inspiration from them. “Today when I see Akshay and Ajay, I feel so proud, I salute them, they are very close friends of mine. Even today, they inspire me by what they have achieved. I am not jealous. I have made mistakes that is why where I am,” he stated in a past interview.
Their friendship extends beyond personal admiration. Suniel and Ajay have shared screen space in films like Dilwale, Qayamat: City Under Threat, Tango Charlie, and Cash, further solidifying their bond.
Grandfatherhood and Fitness: A New Chapter
Suniel Shetty’s life has taken a beautiful turn with the arrival of his granddaughter, Evaarah. Athiya Shetty, Suniel’s daughter, and her husband, cricketer KL Rahul, welcomed their baby girl on March 24, 2025. Since then, Suniel has been vocal about his joy and excitement about embracing grandfatherhood.
“I’m obsessed with the baby. I keep checking my phone or running home every day. The most exciting part is that she’s going to move into the same building soon. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most,” Suniel shared in an interview.
His love for Evaarah has even influenced his fitness routine. The 62-year-old actor has adapted his training to ensure he can keep up with his granddaughter’s needs.
“I’ve changed my training method for my granddaughter. Earlier, I used to do heavy weight training. Now I focus on mobility,” he explained. “With age, problems like back pain and posture issues start to creep in. So I train in a way that prevents those issues—and lets me lift my granddaughter comfortably.”
Suniel is prioritizing exercises that improve his flexibility, core strength, and overall mobility to ensure he can play with Evaarah for years to come. He focuses on bending and lifting exercises to keep his back strong. He now finishes his workout by 6:30 am so that he can start his duties as a grandfather.
Suniel Shetty: A Career Overview
Suniel Shetty debuted in Bollywood with Balwaan in 1992. He established himself as an action hero and later showcased his versatility in comedy and drama roles. Some of his notable films include Mohra, Hera Pheri, Dhadkan, and Border.
While Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn continued to deliver hits throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Suniel’s career trajectory differed. He took on supporting roles and ventured into business ventures. Despite not achieving the same level of commercial success as his contemporaries in recent years, Suniel remains a respected figure in the industry.
In recent years, Suniel has been seen in films like Pehlwaan (2019) and Mumbai Saga (2021). He is now gearing up for his upcoming film, Kesari Veer.
A Disciplined Lifestyle
Suniel Shetty’s commitment to a healthy and disciplined lifestyle is well-known. He is a teetotaler and maintains a strict fitness regimen. This dedication to wellness is what prompted Ajay Devgn to joke about Suniel and Akshay being the “milkmen” of Bollywood.
Suniel’s disciplined lifestyle is not just a recent development. He has maintained this routine since childhood. This commitment has allowed him to stay fit and active even at 63.
A Quick Look at Suniel Shetty’s Career
- Debut: Balwaan (1992)
- Notable Films: Mohra, Hera Pheri, Dhadkan, Border, Refugee, LOC Kargil, Main Hoon Na
- Recent Films: Pehlwaan (2019), Mumbai Saga (2021), Kesari Veer (Upcoming)
- Awards: Filmfare Award for Best Villain (Dhadkan)
- Other Ventures: Entrepreneur, hotelier, and fitness enthusiast
Friendship Goals
The bond between Suniel Shetty, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar is a testament to the enduring power of friendship in the competitive world of Bollywood. Despite their individual successes and challenges, they have remained supportive of each other, offering inspiration and camaraderie.
Suniel has emphasized the importance of staying grounded and learning from Ajay’s ability to balance success with humility. In a heartfelt speech, Suniel praised Ajay as “one of the finest human beings” and expressed gratitude for his friendship.
The “doodhwala” anecdote is just one example of the playful banter and affection that exists between these three iconic actors. As they continue their respective journeys in the film industry, their friendship serves as a reminder that true connections can thrive even in the spotlight.
