Acclaimed Bollywood director Rohit Shetty recently shared a personal glimpse into his family history, highlighting the stunt and action legacy passed down from his parents in the Hindi film industry. Shetty, known for his explosive blockbusters such as the ‘Golmaal’ and ‘Singham’ franchises, acknowledged that he inherits a lineage steeped in cinematic daredevilry. His father, M B Shetty, and mother, Ratna Shetty, were prominent figures, with his father being a celebrated stuntman, and his mother a stunt double for leading actresses like Hema Malini and Vyjayanthimala.
In a candid conversation with ANI, Rohit Shetty shed light on his parents’ contributions to the industry. He fondly recalled his mother’s work, which included performing high-octane stunts that audiences witnessed in the 1972 classic ‘Seeta aur Geeta.’ Ratna Shetty doubled for Hema Malini in iconic scenes, including one where Geeta is precariously seated on a ceiling fan inside a police station. Another testament to her dexterity was displayed in the song ‘Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana’ from ‘Andaz,’ where she acrobatically executed scenes on a motorbike with Rajesh Khanna.
The 49-year-old director, who recently made his digital debut with the web series ‘Indian Police Force,’ revealed that stunts are part of his family’s ethos. “It’s in our DNA — breaking bones … breaking our own bones than the others,” he expressed, epitomizing the bravery that has become synonymous with the Shetty name. He also mentioned his father M B Shetty, not merely a character actor, but also an ingenious action director whose craft remains etched in the heart-thumping sequences of films like ‘Don,’ ‘The Great Gambler,’ ‘Trishul,’ and ‘Deewaar.’ The elder Shetty pioneered techniques such as the glass break stunt, where he would heroically crash through panes of glass despite the inherent risks and resultant injuries.
Rohit Shetty revealed the nuances of being an action director that his father embraced, as social media did not exist to document the backstage heroes of that era. He painted a portrait of M B Shetty as a soft-spoken, humble man who originated from a modest background and harbored a deep emotional connection with his work. Furthermore, Ratna Shetty wasn’t limited to stunt roles; her acting prowess was also showcased in films such as ‘Darar,’ ‘Bade Ghar Ki Beti,’ and ‘Yaar Gaddaar.’
Continuing the family tradition, Shetty divulged on the talk show ‘Koffee With Karan’ that his 17-year-old son, Ishaan, aspires to join the film industry. He represents the third generation eager to step into Bollywood. The director, while supportive, has encouraged his son to complete his education before diving into the field wholeheartedly. Rohit plans to mentor Ishaan, ensuring that he understands the efforts behind the glitz and glamour, by integrating him into the actual working conditions of film technicians.
Rohit Shetty’s detailing of his son’s future outlined his commitment to grounding Ishaan in reality, preparing him for the rigorous demands of the industry. With a focus on hands-on experience over formal education, Shetty appears determined to impart the same hardworking spirit that has defined his family. As Ishaan embarks on a journey to uphold his family’s esteemed reputation in Bollywood, the advice and experiences passed down from his father and grandparents will indubitably shape his approach to the art and business of filmmaking.
The Shetty legacy intensely illustrates that the thrills and theatrics of the stunt world are not merely performed; they’re inherited, cherished, and perpetuated through generations. With young Ishaan poised to continue the pattern, it’s evident that the Shetty affinity for cinematic adventure is here to stay, resonating through the halls of Bollywood for years to come.
