Veteran Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has sparked a nationwide conversation regarding India’s cultural narrative, questioning why mainstream cinema and educational textbooks remain heavily focused on Mughal emperors while “indigenous heroes” like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are often relegated to the sidelines.
Speaking at a recent media interaction following the release of his project Kesari Veer—a film centered on the unsung warriors who defended the Somnath Temple—Shetty did not mince words about the current state of historical representation in India.
“Why Only Aurangzeb and Akbar?”
The actor expressed his frustration over the recurring themes in historical filmmaking and the educational system. He argued that for decades, the stories of Aurangzeb, Akbar, and Babur have dominated the limelight, leaving little room for the rich legacy of local dynasties and Vedic culture.
“Why do we talk about Aurangzeb, Akbar, Babur, and Birbal? Our history should be about our culture. It should be about the Vedas, the Rajputs, and Shivaji Maharaj,” Shetty remarked. “Every hero of every state should be spoken about. I feel strongly and emotionally about the Somnath Temple—how many times it was plundered, yet it still stands.”
Shetty’s comments suggest a growing demand within the industry to pivot toward “soil-of-the-land” stories that resonate with India’s ancient roots rather than focusing primarily on the eras of foreign invasions.
Echoes of a Larger Debate
Shetty’s stance mirrors sentiments previously shared by fellow actor Akshay Kumar, who, during the promotions of Samrat Prithviraj, famously lamented that Indian history textbooks dedicate “only two or three lines” to the legendary Hindu king while giving pages of detail to Mughal rulers.
The actor pointed out that this isn’t just about movies; it’s about what the next generation is being taught. He emphasized that the audience today has changed and is hungry for stories that reflect their own identity and cultural heritage.
Despite his passion, Shetty acknowledged the uphill battle in bringing these narratives to the big screen. Discussing his recent film Kesari Veer, which explores the 14th-century defense of Somnath, he noted that “good films often go down the drain” due to poor distribution and the dominance of corporate structures that prioritize safe, traditional subjects over historical epics.
He urged producers and directors to “go back to the drawing table” and find the courage to narrate these stories with authenticity, moving beyond the financial fear that often keeps filmmakers tied to established tropes. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
