If you’re a Bollywood buff, you’ve probably heard the stories–how Suniel Shetty once gifted Salman Khan an expensive shirt when he couldn’t afford one, or how he offered his house to Jackie Shroff when the latter’s father fell critically ill. These heartfelt tales of generosity have been shared publicly by both Salman and Jackie. Now, Suniel has opened up about these moments from his perspective, offering a rare insight into the kind of friendships that have stood the test of time in the film industry.
In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, the actor said, “They were already stars. Just them walking into my shop was a big deal. It was huge publicity for me, but that’s not why they came. Jackie Shroff is my hero, and Salman Khan is my friend. It’s their humility that they talk about these things in public. That just shows the bond we share.”
He added that their friendships were never about transactions or obligations. “Even today, Jackie is just a phone call away. Same with Salman. If I call and ask him to be in a film, he won’t even ask why. Not because I helped them back then, but because that’s the kind of respect and brotherhood we have always had.”
These anecdotes resurfaced after Jackie Shroff and Suniel Suniel Shetty appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2021 for a special episode. Suniel fondly recalled their early days together: “We’ve been friends for 45 years. We first met at places like Pastry Palace, Wonderworld, and Scandal Point–hangout spots for jobless guys like us. Jackie says I always kept clothes ready for him, but he always paid. Still, he would sit outside my shop just to make it look popular. That’s the kind of friend he is.”
Jackie, too, shared an emotional story on the show. “My father had a severe reaction to penicillin, and his skin started peeling. Our house was too crowded to take care of him properly. Suniel offered his own house without a second thought. He wasn’t even living there—he vacated it for us. I stayed there with my father for 10–15 days. That’s the kind of man he is.”
Salman Khan, too, shared a heartfelt memory during the IIFA Awards 2022. “Back in the day, I didn’t have enough money to shop. I went to Suniel’s store and had my eyes on a stone-wash shirt and a wallet. He saw me struggling and just gifted both to me. That stayed with me forever.”
