- Suniel Shetty said money meant security early in his career when starting out
- He no longer chases wealth or material milestones at age 65
- Shetty finds motivation in new projects and creative challenges today
Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty has opened up on what keeps him driving at the age of 65 when he has achieved everything in his personal and professional life. Taking to LinkedIn, Shetty posted a self-reflective piece, highlighting that he worked hard in the first phase of his life as money was an important factor. The Dhadkan actor said money meant security when he was starting in the industry, but having spent decades honing his craft and emerging as one of the biggest stars, Shetty said he was no longer chasing milestones.
"I knew why I worked so hard in my early years. At 65, the reasons are very different. Back then, money meant security. I wanted to earn enough to give my family a comfortable life. Then you start doing well. You buy a home, educate your children, travel, save, invest, build for the future," said Shetty.
Shetty said he thought everything connected to money as the goalposts kept shifting. However, at 65, extra money was not really going to change how he lived.
"At 65, having some more isn't really going to change the way Mana and I live. I'm not chasing a bigger house or another car," said Shetty.
"Yet I still wake up wanting to work. I still get excited about a new film, building something from scratch, a business idea, meeting someone interesting. Even my gardening."
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'Feeling of Being Helpful'
Reflecting deeper, Shetty said it was perhaps the "feeling of being helpful" that was constantly driving him when money was not the motivating factor.
"For almost 40 years, work has been such a big part of how I've understood my place in the world. Someone wants me for a role. Someone calls for advice. Someone thinks I can contribute to an idea. Someone wants to build something with me," he said.
"Today, take the money out of that equation and I think I would still want much of it. And that's an interesting discovery to make."
Shetty said he was fortunate that money gave him choices that he did not have when he started.
"Today I can leave a cheque on the table. I can say no to something that doesn't feel right. I don't have to turn every opportunity into a business, or every relationship into a transaction," said Shetty.
The actor added that the feeling of being needed, being useful and contributing to projects was something that still mattered a lot to him.
