Celebrated Indian actor Suniel Shetty’s investment journey is less talked about compared to his acting career, but his involvement in business came much before his foray into Bollywood. He first found his footing in the business realm with his father's restaurant, Shetty shared in a podcast in 2023.

In a conversation with Shantanu Deshpande, the founder of Bombay Shaving Company, Shetty spoke about his life as a second-generation entrepreneur, his father's legacy and influence, and his investment ideologies.

Shetty shared anecdotal experience of how his involvement in sports at a very early age shaped his outlook towards his father’s business, helping his father at the family restaurant from a very early age.

Shetty also said that being in the school's cricket team trained him to manage time more efficiently. This helped him in the longer run to take control of his schedule well enough to continue school as well as help his father out in his restaurant, Shetty said. He would help his father after school hours, allowing him to take a break and, in the process, learn to run the business.

See Also: JSW Cement To File Draft Papers For ₹4,000 Cr IPO: Report

Shetty also spoke about his career in acting alongside being a businessman. The actor said that his involvement in businesses acted as more of a safety net for him. In the podcast, he shared his experiences in facing failure while attempting to balance two boats. Shetty said this was what encouraged him to expand his investment portfolio and he decided to invest in real estate. 

"I then realised that the only thing I could secure myself with my investment is to invest in real estate," he said during the conversation. Shetty also shared how his father advised him to invest in commercial properties for better returns.

During the podcast, the actor also shed light on how his investment judgement has grown and developed over the years. "Great founders, great investment and great management team" is what he looks for in a business investment now, he said. 

"A good founder with a good management backup is better to back than to try and do something on your own," Shetty believes. 

Shetty is an established businessman and also has investments in the startup space. He is the founder of FTC Talent Media & Entertainment and continues his real estate business with S2 Realty & Developers. Shetty has also co-founded men’s jewellery brand MetaMan and backs startups Aquatein and Regrip.

Read Next: Technical Analysts Advise Caution On CDSL But See Rally To ₹3,400