New Delhi: Actor Suniel Shetty turned emotional while speaking about his son Ahan Shetty at the audio launch of the upcoming war drama Border 2. In a heartfelt moment on stage, Suniel opened up about the difficult phase Ahan faced after his debut film failed to meet expectations, revealing that the young actor struggled quietly through the aftermath.
Ahan made his acting debut in 2021 with Tadap, directed by Milan Luthria. While the film generated initial buzz, it did not translate into long-term success for the newcomer. Speaking candidly, Suniel admitted that the setback affected Ahan deeply and challenged many assumptions people often make about star kids.
Suniel Shetty breaks down recalling Ahan’s post-debut struggles
Visibly moved, Suniel said on stage, “It is his second film aur itni badi film milna… Bahut hi responsible film hai. When Ahan was doing the film, maine tabhi unse kaha tha ke ‘Ahan, it is not just uniform. Remember this’.” He added that he advised his son to approach the role with sincerity and heart, stressing the responsibility that comes with a film like Border 2. “I will always be indebted from a father’s point of view that they thought of my son for such a big film,” he said, as producer Bhushan Kumar was seen consoling him.
Suniel also addressed the misconception that opportunities automatically come easy to actors with famous surnames. “After his first film, there was a little break in (his life and career). You know, there’s always turmoil in our lives. Sab bolte hain ke Suniel Shetty ka beta hai kaam toh bahut hi milta hai,” he said. Countering that belief, he added, “But somewhere or the other, there’s a lot that Ahan went through in life.”
Ahan Shetty in Border 2
Calling Border 2 a turning point, Suniel expressed gratitude and relief. “But I am happy that he got Border 2 as his second film. Usse badiya film nahi mil sakti. And I just pray that he has done justice and the film works for all of us,” he said.
The veteran actor also reflected on his own association with the Border franchise, recalling the original Border led by Sunny Deol. Suniel remarked that his character’s death in the first film was something he embraced with pride, even joking that had the character survived, he might have been part of the sequel too.
Earlier, Suniel had publicly expressed anger over what he described as a targeted negative campaign against Ahan. Defending his son fiercely, he said, “They said that he has a 10-person entourage; people paid lots of money to get negative articles written about him.” He warned that if the smear continued, he would hold a press conference and reveal names, adding, “Jiski dhajjiyan udani hain, uda dunga.”