Suniel Shetty recently shed light on his enduring friendships with Bollywood stalwarts Jackie Shroff and Salman Khan, revealing their bond is built on deep respect, not past favors.
Friendships Beyond Transactions
Bollywood often buzzes with stories of generosity, like Suniel Shetty helping Salman Khan with a shirt or offering his home to Jackie Shroff during a family crisis. Both Salman and Jackie have publicly shared these touching anecdotes over the years.
However, Suniel Shetty believes these acts, while heartfelt, aren’t the foundation of their lasting bond. He clarifies that their friendship runs much deeper than any transactional exchange.
Suniel’s Perspective: Humility and Brotherhood
In a recent interview, Suniel emphasized that both Salman and Jackie were already stars when they first connected. He credits their humility for publicly sharing stories of his assistance.
“Jackie Shroff is my hero, and Salman Khan is my friend,” Suniel stated. He added that their willingness to be there for each other, even today, is not because of past help, but because of the genuine brotherhood and respect they’ve always shared.
According to Suniel, both actors remain just a phone call away. “If I call and ask him to be in a film, he won’t even ask why,” he said, highlighting the unwavering trust between them.
Jackie Shroff’s Enduring Gratitude
Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty’s deep connection was highlighted during a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2021. Suniel fondly recalled their 45-year friendship, dating back to their early days hanging out at spots like Pastry Palace.
Jackie shared a particularly emotional story from that time. When his father had a severe allergic reaction and needed quiet care, Suniel immediately offered his own house. Suniel even vacated his home for Jackie and his father for over two weeks, showcasing immense compassion.
Salman Khan’s Heartfelt Memory
Salman Khan, too, recounted a pivotal moment during the IIFA Awards 2022. He spoke about a time when he couldn’t afford a stone-wash shirt and wallet he desired from Suniel’s shop.
Seeing Salman’s dilemma, Suniel simply gifted him both items. This simple act of kindness left a lasting impression on Salman, symbolizing the thoughtful nature of their bond.
A Friendship Forged in Early Days
Suniel also shared how Jackie would often sit outside his shop, even when he paid for clothes, just to make the shop appear popular. This small gesture underscored the supportive nature of their early friendship.
These anecdotes collectively paint a picture of a rare, enduring camaraderie in the often-fleeting world of showbiz, where mutual respect and genuine affection truly stand the test of time.
- Suniel Shetty values his friendships with Jackie Shroff and Salman Khan as deep, non-transactional bonds.
- He believes their humility led them to share stories of his past generosity.
- Both Jackie and Salman have confirmed Suniel’s acts of kindness, like offering a home or gifting clothes.
- The actors remain a phone call away, symbolizing a strong foundation of trust and brotherhood.
Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that some relationships in Bollywood are built on a foundation far stronger than industry obligations.
