Bollywood in itself is a very fleeting industry as you can be on cloud nine one day and fall flat on your face by next Friday. Actors understand this reality, which is why they aim to build multiple streams of revenue. Actor Suniel Shetty is one of those people, and in a recent interview he explained how his mind works when he is looking to invest in a person, an idea, or a vision.
While talking to GQ India, Suniel was asked by the host about his successful business ventures, just before he informed the audience about the very lucrative exit Sunil made from Beardo after it was taken over by HUL.
Suniel Shetty responded to the host describing him as a jack of all trades and said, “Dabbling in a lot of different things works in today’s age. As an actor, earlier there was only real estate which you could invest in. Anything else you tried to do and you didn’t take care of it wouldn’t work. If you don’t take care of your baby, it won’t react the way you want it to. With this new generation and the overall startup universe, you get the opportunity to work with great founders. If I back the right person, I know that I am secure.”
When asked about his role in the companies he invests in, Suniel said, “I usually focus on just one aspect. Be it marketing, or getting the brand up there and giving it visibility, getting them the media help that they require. But other than that, I don’t want to interfere because I don’t know anything. I am not only looking for unicorns; anybody who is successful and knows that they have to bring food home at the end of the day is attractive to me. For me it’s intent over ideas, people over presentation, and asking ‘why?’ instead of ‘what?’ I am not necessarily looking at evaluation, and I try to value the relationship with the person and their vision.”
According to reports, Suniel Shetty’s estimated worth is around Rs 125 crore. His investments in brands like More Mischief and SQUATS have proved successful. According to ET Retail, Suniel has also invested in the food delivery sector, namely in Proxgy (drone delivery), Waayu (no commission delivery) and Savesmart, another grocery delivery platform.