Suniel Shetty Explodes at Mimicry Artist: “I Speak Like a Man, Unlike You”
Bhopal, August 26, 2025 — Veteran Bollywood star Suniel Shetty made headlines yet again—this time for a fiery on-stage moment that left the audience stunned. At what appeared to be a promotional or celebratory event in Bhopal, a mimicry artist attempted to imitate Shetty, only to face the actor’s blunt and scathing criticism. The viral video capturing the exchange has since set social media abuzz, prompting intense debate on boundaries in mimicry and celebrity temperament.
The Scene That Sparked a Flurry of Reactions
The video opens with the mimicry artist delivering a performance. Instead of laughter or applause, what follows is sharp and immediate disapproval from Suniel Shetty. “Itna ghatiya mimicry maine kabhi dekha hi nahi hai,” he says, which translates to, “I’ve never seen such cheap mimicry.” Adding insult to injury, Shetty derided the impression by saying, “When Suniel Shetty speaks, he speaks like a man—this guy was speaking like a child.”
The mimicry artist, caught off guard, offered an apology: “Sorry sir, main bilkul aapki mimicry karne ki koshish nahi kar raha tha” (“Sorry sir, I was not attempting to mimic you at all”). Suniel’s reply was unapologetic and cutting: “Don’t even try, beta. You have a long way to go before you become Suniel Shetty. Tying your hair back doesn’t make you one. It seems you haven’t even watched Suniel Shetty’s action films.”
The actor immediately shifted niche—steering the interaction back toward the event’s audience. While he concluded with a polite note by thanking attendees, the heated moment had already left an indelible mark.
Fallout: Social Media Roars
The video’s virality was instant, flooding platforms like Instagram, Reddit, and Twitter with reactions—many laced with disappointment and criticism. On Hindustan Times, one commentator branded Shetty’s behavior as “rude” while another lamented, “It takes years to build a reputation but mere seconds to ruin it. I thought he was humble.”
Another disappointed user questioned whether this was a new side of the actor: “He gets really pissed when someone mimics him—sad to see.” Yet another blunt verdict, “This shows how insecure Suniel Shetty is,” echoed across comment threads.
However, some voices attempted to contextualize his reaction, noting that mimicry, when poorly executed, can come across as mocking rather than flattering—especially for a figure known for his gravelly, masculine delivery.
Why the Reaction Was So Strong
Suniel Shetty has carved out a legacy with his signature dialogue delivery—gritty, intense, and unmistakably masculine. His early career (starting with Balwaan in 1992) includes cult hits like Mohra, Border, Hera Pheri, Main Hoon Na, and Dus. Many mimicry artists built their routines around parodying his unique cadence and commanding screen presence.
Perhaps at such public appearances, Shetty expects a tone of homage or humor—not slapdash impressions that feel disrespectful. His reaction, though harsh, underscores how personal mimicry of a recognizable figure can blur lines between tribute and trivial mockery.
Work Life Moves On—But So Does Public Perception
From a career standpoint, Shetty’s upcoming projects remain largely unaffected. He was most recently seen in the web-series Hunter Season 2, and is slated to appear in the comedy Welcome to the Jungle, alongside prominent stars like Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Sanjay Dutt, and others. He will also reunite with Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri 3, directed by Priyadarshan.
However, this incident adds another chapter to a recent pattern of public scrutiny. Not too long ago, Shetty came under fire for commenting on childbirth—suggesting that C-section was a less courageous choice compared to natural delivery—a comment that was broadly criticized as tone-deaf.
A Divisive Moment, a Human Reaction
In the end, Shetty’s reaction—while undeniably strong—may stem from a deeply personal association with how he’s perceived onscreen and off. To the actor, mimicry isn’t always entertainment—it’s an impression of identity. And when it doesn’t feel earned, the reaction can be volatile.
Nevertheless, the question now turns to the broader impact: Will this be a fleeting online controversy, or something that subtly reshapes his public image? Only time will tell. For now, Bollywood’s ‘mard ki tarah bolne wala’ icon stands accused by some of arrogance—and defended by others as an artist fiercely protective of his signature identity.
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