In a move that has sent ripples through the Bollywood industry, veteran actor Suniel Shetty has come out in strong defense of his son, Ahan Shetty, addressing long-standing rumors regarding “excessive entourage costs” that supposedly stalled major projects.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview, the senior Shetty didn’t just deny the claims—he issued a bold challenge to the industry at large: “Show me the bills.”
The Controversy: Fact vs. Fiction
For months, industry whispers suggested that Ahan Shetty’s upcoming film, Sanki, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, was put on hold due to the skyrocketing costs of the young actor’s personal staff and lifestyle demands.
However, the timeline of Ahan’s career tells a different story. Since his 2021 debut in Tadap, Ahan has been under a strict contract with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, a period he admits caused a dip in his confidence. The narrative shifted recently following the massive box-office success of Border 2, where Ahan’s performance as an army officer has been hailed as a “legacy-defining” moment.
“Ahan has never gone overboard with his entourage. These are all rumors circulated for the convenience of others,” Suniel Shetty stated. “If a producer says he has bills to show, I will personally step in and check them. Don’t spread lies to hide your own project’s weaknesses.”
A Culture of Self-Reliance
The Shetty family has long been known for their “no-nonsense” approach to filmmaking. Suniel revealed that he and Ahan follow a strict protocol on sets: Personal Expenses: They personally pay for their own staff and food.
No “Unit Billing”: Instructions are clear to the staff—if you order from outside, the bill goes to the actor, not the producer..Professionalism: Suniel emphasized that Ahan is still “finding his footing” and that the idea of a newcomer throwing tantrums or demanding multiple vanity vans is “unrealistic.”
What’s Next for Ahan?
With the blockbuster success of Border 2—which recently crossed the ₹300 crore mark—Ahan is moving past the “entourage” noise and focusing on his craft.
The actor is currently preparing for an intense romantic drama directed by Shaad Ali, set to begin filming this spring. He was also recently honored with the “Impact Performer of the Year” award at the Zee Samvad Real Heroes 2026 event.
Industry Impact
The debate over entourage costs continues to plague Bollywood, with many producers citing high overheads as a reason for film delays. By taking a public stand, Suniel Shetty has pivoted the conversation toward transparency and accountability, suggesting that actors should perhaps become “partners” in projects to share both the risks and the rewards.
For Ahan, the focus remains on the work. As he reprises his father’s iconic legacy on screen, he seems determined to let his box-office numbers do the talking, leaving the “entourage” drama in the rearview mirror. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
