Suniel Shetty defends son Ahan Shetty amid entourage costs after Border 2 success: ‘If the producer says that he can show a bill'

After Ahan Shetty’s big-screen return with the war drama Border 2, Suniel Shetty has addressed long-standing rumours around his son’s absence from films following Tadap (2021). In a recent interview, the veteran actor spoke at length about entourage costs, actor fees, and why Ahan was unfairly targeted amid speculation surrounding Sajid Nadiadwala’s shelved project Sanki.Sharing his broader view on actors charging premium fees, Suniel told Lehren Retro, “They are asking for more, I agree, but they are taking what they have a right on, because a lot of recovery also happens. The excel sheet and your math says that you can bring the numbers. My point is that you should charge that much, but join the film as a partner. Take a share.”He added that filmmaking is a collective effort and actors should be equally invested.

“A lot of factors matter for a film to work at the theatres – the right time, marketing, a good film, combination of artists, and others. You should become a partner so that you are also involved and can do the math.”

‘Ahan has never gone overboard with his entourage’

Reacting strongly to rumours that Ahan was dropped from Sanki due to excessive entourage expenses, Suniel dismissed the claims outright. “Ahan has never gone overboard with his entourage. These are all rumours.

This gossip was circulated as per the producer’s convenience,” he said.Taking a firm stand as a father, Suniel added, “If the producer says that he can show a bill, then I will see. There the father steps in and will step in, very very clearly. Don’t spread lies to hide your weaknesses, because it’s not fair on Ahan.”

‘If it’s his entourage, he will pay for it’

Suniel further explained that both he and Ahan are extremely cautious about on-set expenses. “These are all rumours.

And unfortunately, this is the condition of films now. Ahan is very very careful with his entourage. And if it’s his entourage, he will pay for it. He is aware of that.”Drawing from his own example, he revealed strict instructions given to his team. “When Suniel Shetty takes his food and water from home... my staff has been told that if you are eating the unit’s food then it’s fine, but if you want to order from outside, put the bill under my name and not the producer.”He added firmly, “My staff can’t dare to do otherwise, so Ahan’s staff would definitely not do it.”

‘He has just arrived, there are no tantrums’

Putting all speculation to rest, Suniel said Ahan is still finding his footing in the industry. “Ahan has just arrived, this is his time to settling into the industry, so there are no tantrums. Ho hi nahi sakta (it’s not possible).” For context, Ahan Shetty was set to star opposite Pooja Hegde in a high-budget action thriller produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, slated for a 2025 release. The project was later put on hold, reportedly due to high production costs and challenging market conditions.