Suniel Shetty turns 65: Jackie Shroff calls him 'Asli Bhidu Forever'
Synopsis
Jackie Shroff's 'Asli Bhidu Forever' birthday post for Suniel Shetty on his 65th is more than a social media moment — it is a window into one of Bollywood's most enduring off-screen friendships, spanning seven films and over three decades, from 'Border' in 1997 to 'Mukhbiir' in 2008.
Key Takeaways
Suniel Shetty turned 65 on 11 August ; Jackie Shroff wished him with the caption 'Asli Bhidu Forever' .
The two actors have collaborated on seven films spanning 1997 to 2008 , beginning with J.P.
Their 2000 film 'Refugee' also marked the acting debuts of Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor .
Shetty, known as 'Anna' , debuted with 'Balwaan' in 1992 and rose to fame with 'Mohra' and 'Hera Pheri' .
His role in 'Dhadkan' ( 2000 ) earned him multiple Best Villain awards.
Actor Jackie Shroff marked his longtime friend Suniel Shetty's 65th birthday on 11 August with a warm social media post, calling him his 'Asli Bhidu Forever' — a tribute that resonated with fans of the two veterans who have shared the screen for over three decades.
The Birthday Post
Shroff shared a stylish photograph alongside Shetty, captioning it with the affectionate phrase 'Asli Bhidu Forever' and a birthday wish. In the image, the two actors were seen striking a confident pose, their camaraderie on full display. The post quickly drew attention from fans and Bollywood followers alike.
A Friendship Forged on Screen
The bond between Jackie and Suniel stretches back more than three decades, both personally and professionally. Their first on-screen collaboration came in J.P. Dutta's landmark 1997 war drama 'Border', which featured an ensemble cast including Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna. The film remains one of the most celebrated war pictures in Hindi cinema.
The duo reunited in 2000 for Dutta's 'Refugee', where Shroff played BSF Commandant Raghuvir Singh and Shetty essayed Pakistan Rangers officer Mohammad Ashraf. Notably, the film also marked the acting debuts of Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor.
Their collaborations continued through the following years with 'Baaz: A Bird in Danger' (2003), 'Hulchul' and 'Aan: Men at Work' (2004), 'Kyon Ki' (2005), 'Apna Sapna Money Money' (2006), and 'Mukhbiir' (2008).
Suniel Shetty: A Career in Review
Popularly known as 'Anna', Suniel Shetty made his Hindi film debut with the 1992 action film 'Balwaan'. He rapidly established himself as one of the decade's leading action stars, with standout performances in 'Mohra' and 'Gopi Kishan' in 1994, followed by a string of hits including 'Dilwale', 'Border', and 'Bhai' through the 1990s.
His range extended well beyond action. His portrayal of the antagonist in the 2000 romantic drama 'Dhadkan' earned him multiple Best Villain awards, while 'Hera Pheri' — alongside Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal — showcased a sharp comic sensibility that surprised audiences. He subsequently appeared in 'Awara Paagal Deewana', 'Phir Hera Pheri', 'Main Hoon Naa', and 'De Dana Dan'.
What the Moment Represents
In an industry where friendships are often transactional and fleeting, the Shroff-Shetty bond stands out as a genuine long-haul relationship — one that has endured changing box-office trends, generational shifts in stardom, and the rise of new talent. As both veterans continue to remain active in the public eye, gestures like this birthday post serve as a reminder of Bollywood's older, more personal era.
Point of View
But the Shroff-Shetty tribute is a useful prompt to revisit how thoroughly Suniel Shetty has been underrated in mainstream Bollywood retrospectives. He bridged the mass-action era of the 1990s and the multiplex comedy wave of the 2000s with credibility in both — a versatility that is rarely acknowledged alongside names like Salman Khan or Akshay Kumar from the same generation. At 65, with his son Ahan Shetty now active in the industry, the 'Anna' brand is entering a new chapter that the industry would do well to watch.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jackie Shroff call Suniel Shetty 'Asli Bhidu'?
Jackie Shroff used the term 'Asli Bhidu' — a Mumbai street slang for 'real friend' — to describe Suniel Shetty in a birthday post on 11 August. The phrase reflects their well-known off-screen friendship of over three decades.
How many films have Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty done together?
The two actors have collaborated on at least seven films, starting with J.P. Dutta's 'Border' in 1997 and continuing through 'Refugee' (2000), 'Baaz: A Bird in Danger' (2003), 'Hulchul', 'Aan: Men at Work' (2004), 'Kyon Ki' (2005), 'Apna Sapna Money Money' (2006), and 'Mukhbiir' (2008).
What is Suniel Shetty's most acclaimed performance?
Suniel Shetty is widely praised for two contrasting roles: his villain turn in the 2000 romantic drama 'Dhadkan', which won him multiple Best Villain awards, and his comic performance in 'Hera Pheri' alongside Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal.
When did Suniel Shetty make his Bollywood debut?
Suniel Shetty made his Hindi film debut with the 1992 action film 'Balwaan'. He subsequently rose to prominence with 'Mohra' and 'Gopi Kishan' in 1994.
Which film marked the debut of Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor?
The 2000 J.P. Dutta directorial 'Refugee', which starred both Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty, also marked the acting debuts of Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor.
