Suniel Shetty bids goodbye to small roles

Of late, Suniel Shetty has been saying no to a lot of filmmakers, including his favourite Priyadarshan. Yes, Suniel would rather play husband than do roles that do scant justice to his presence. Shetty, who has just returned with a new career plan from a long schedule of Anees Bazmee's Thank You in Toronto, is ready to do a complete career revamp. After the much-acclaimed part in Red Alert, there will be no more peripheral parts for him. Now that his two children are stepping out of adolescence, he wants to spend as much time with them as possible before they leave home.

He will no longer do supporting roles and cameos even for friends. He has said no to Priyadarshan for a role in a new film featuring Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Kunal Kapoor, among others. He was supposed to do one of the pivotal roles in the film, but now, we hear that he has opted out. He has said no a cluster of new films. At the moment Anees Bazmee's Thank You is his only assignment on hand.

Suniel explains, "The role did not shape up either to Priyan's or my satisfaction. So we decided to part ways on this one. In fact Priyan himself suggested I pass this one."

So is there any ill-feeling between Priyan and Suniel over this matter? Laughs Suniel, "None at all. Priyan and I go back a long way. I've always done whatever he has offered me. But now it's time for me to think about the next level in my career. I can't be doing supporting parts anymore."

Suniel has returned to Mumbai with fond memories of his birthday in Toronto on August 11. Co-star and friend Akshay Kumar threw a surprise party for him. He was deeply moved by Akshay"s gesture. "He didn't only arrange the party; he looked into the minutest detail including the food I like. Akki knows I don't drink. So he arranged my favourite fruit juices. It was just a small party with our friends like Bobby Deol and Anees Bazmee. It was memorable evening."

Suniel gets emotional over his friendship with Akshay. "We started our careers at around the same time and we've done many films together. But do supporting parts with him? Thank You, but no thank you."