Actor Suniel Shetty feels he has earned respect and maintained a clean image in his more than two decades of showbiz career because of his conduct and wants daughter Athiya to follow his path.
Athiya, 22, is making her Bollywood debut with Nikhil Advani's “Hero” opposite newcomer Sooraj, Aditya Pancholi's son.
Happy with her decision to make acting her career, Suniel, 53, said the only advice he has for Athiya is to conduct herself well in the industry.
“I don't have to tell her anything. I was worried because Athiya was always watching me. By telling them they don't learn but by watching us they do.
“In 26 years, I don't know what I have earned but there is lot of goodwill and blessing that I have got. I have conducted myself that way I hope Athiya will do the same,” Suniel told PTI.
The “Hera Pheri” star said Athiya was passionate about acting right from her childhood.
“She did plays in her school. I am glad she asked me if I would be happy with her joining films. I said, ‘I am in this industry and it is a beautiful industry. It is the most beautiful and safe place for girls. If they want to conduct themselves right, then nobody can trouble them,'” the actor said.
When Suniel made his acting debut there was no one to guide him but now that Athiya is entering the industry, he and superstar Salman Khan, who is launching her, are there to help her.
“I don't regret my time. I was strong. I stood on my own... fell down. I did death defying stunts. I am happy that I am there for my children to support them,” the actor said.
“Athiya has been out there so she doesn't know much about the real world. I am happy we are there to protect, guide them and see that they don't end up messing things for themselves,” the “Border” star said.
According to him, there was never a moment when Athiya said she was not able to do her work properly.
“She is extremely hard working and passionate. The only thing she told me is, ‘Dad I did so many takes today but I am not happy... Nikhil sir said it is ok but I did not like it'.”
