Today marks a special milestone for one of Bollywood’s most successful commercial filmmakers, Rohit Shetty, as he celebrates another year round the sun. Shetty, the maestro behind the ‘Golmaal’ and ‘Singham’ franchises, commands attention not just for his blockbuster hits but also for his deep-rooted connections with the Hindi film industry. A lineage of action and stunts courses through his veins – he is the offspring of the widely admired stunt director MB Shetty and Ratna Shetty, a stunt double who powerfully contributed to the film industry’s action sequences.
In a film culture where whispers of nepotism flare up frequently, Shetty’s familial ties to the industry sculpt a narrative of legacy and passion for the craft, rather than mere advantage. On the occasion of Rohit Shetty’s birthday, the spotlight shines not only on his remarkable journey but equally on the tales of daring and dedication from his mother and father.
Taking a walk down the memory lane, Rohit Shetty shared enlightening anecdotes about his parents in an interview with ANI. Those familiar with the iconic 1972 hit ‘Seeta aur Geeta’, a cinematic gem written by Salim-Javed and helmed by Ramesh Sippy, might remember the breathtaking stunts pulled off by the characters. Unknown to many, it was Ratna Shetty, Rohit’s mother, who executed the gravity-defying stunts from rolling down the stairs to daringly balancing on a ceiling fan — acts that left audiences in awe. Her physicality matched the stars she doubled for, such as Hema Malini and Vyjayanthimala, seamlessly merging her skill with their screen presence.
“There’s a sense of pride in recognizing it’s our family business. The idea of breaking bones, of pushing the envelope in action – it’s in our DNA,” stated Rohit Shetty, reminding us of the resilience and risk involved in the field of stunt work.
MB Shetty, Rohit’s father, was not only a character actor but also an innovative action director. His legacy includes work on legendary films like ‘Don’, ‘The Great Gambler’, ‘Trishul’, and ‘Deewaar’. He was the pioneering spirit behind many of the glass-breaking stunts that became a hallmark of Bollywood action scenes of the time. Despite his risk-taking on screen, he was remembered by his son as a soft-spoken, humble, and emotional man, attributes that underlined the human side of the industry’s daredevils.
Rohit Shetty, following in his parents’ valorous footsteps, recently made his debut in the digital scene with the action-packed web series ‘Indian Police Force’. As he carves his path in entertainment, Shetty also guides the future of his family’s cinematic tradition – his son, Ishaan. The seventeen-year-old aspires to add his chapter to their film legacy, and Rohit has been candid about preparing him for a life in films.
During a revealing moment on the talk show ‘Koffee With Karan’, Rohit expressed his vision for Ishaan’s introduction to the world of cinema. He stressed the importance of completing his education, experiencing the world, and understanding the inner workings of the industry from the ground up. The director advocates for learning through real-life experiences, underscoring the reality behind the glamour and fanfare of filmmaking.
As the nation joins to wish Rohit Shetty a happy birthday, we reflect not only on his action-packed reel life but also his impactful contributions to continuing a family tradition that has shaped Indian action cinema as we know it. With his storytelling might, innovative spirit, and dedication to craft, Shetty proves that while Bollywood may run in his blood, it’s his unique vision that continues to captivate audiences and set box offices ablaze.
