Suniel Shetty says he turned down Rs 40 crore tobacco endorsement deal, 'Maybe I needed that money, but...'

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, who is in the news over his son, Ahan Shetty's new release 'Border 2', has shared surprising details about turning down big money over an endorcement deal.

The actor, in his latest chat, revealed that he turned down a Rs 40 crore offer to endorse a tobacco brand. Going on record to cite his personal values that came in the way of going forward with the deal, the actor shared that his childen also played a role in him rejecting the offer.

Suniel Shetty on his legacy

Speaking on a podcast with Peeping Moon, the actor revealed why he, unlike other Bollywood actors, has never associated himself with tobacco brands. "I owe everything to my health. It’s my body that gave Suniel Shetty an opportunity in the film business. If I don’t consider it my place of worship, then I’ll be doing an injustice to myself. What legacy will I leave behind for my children? I may not be relevant today when it comes to cinema or the box office, but even now, 17- to 20-year-olds give me so much love and respect. It’s unreal," Shetty said.

Suniel Shetty on turning down Rs 40 crore

Revealing details about turning down a fat paycheque, he shared, "I was offered Rs 40 crore for a tobacco ad, and I looked at them and said, ‘Do you really think I’ll fall for it?’ I won’t."

Reflecting on his choice to turn down the offer, he added, "Maybe I needed that money, but no. I will not do something I don’t believe in, because it would leave a blemish on Ahan, Athiya and Rahul, on everybody. After that, nobody even dares to approach me."

Bollywood actors slammed for ad deals

In recent years, several Bollywood stars, including Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, have faced backlash for endorsing pan masala ads. Shah Rukh Khan, faced public backlash late last year when he featured in a pan masala ad, at a time when he was declared as Bollywood's only billionaire actor. Previously, actor Akshay issued an apology to his fans, while Ajay Devgn, on the other hand, has largely remained mum on the subject.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”