From Cinema to Commerce: Bollywood has often mirrored society, but at times it also quietly influences new ways of thinking. One such interesting intersection of cinema, health consciousness, and entrepreneurship recently resurfaced through a candid reflection by Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty. While promoting a business-based reality show, the actor shared how a popular film from his career unintentionally planted early ideas related to the health and wellness industry, long before the sector became a mainstream business trend in India.

A Film Character Ahead of Its Time

During a media interaction, Suniel Shetty revisited his role as Dev in the film Dhadkan. In a light-hearted tone, he explained that his character was perhaps unknowingly one of the earliest representations of a health-driven business mindset. According to the actor, Dev built a massive financial empire simply by walking on foot, a subtle nod toward physical fitness, discipline, and consistency. What sounded humorous on the surface also carried a deeper meaning about sustainable habits and long-term value creation.

The actor jokingly referred to himself as a first mover in the health and wellness industry, highlighting how the film’s narrative aligned with ideas that are now globally celebrated. Walking, fitness, and simple lifestyle practices today form the foundation of billion-dollar wellness ventures, but at the time, such concepts were rarely discussed in commercial or cinematic contexts.

The INR 500 Crore Empire and Its Silence

When asked about the business model portrayed in the film and how such rapid success was achieved, Suniel Shetty shared an anecdote that blended humor with realism. He mentioned that the empire was valued at INR 500 crores within a year, a figure that was considered enormous during that era. Due to financial regulations and income-related concerns prevalent at the time, the details of the business were never openly discussed.

He added that circumstances have changed significantly. In today’s economic environment, large valuations are common, and conversations around wealth creation are more transparent. This shift, according to the actor, is what encouraged him to finally speak openly about it. His comments subtly highlighted how India’s financial ecosystem has evolved, making entrepreneurship more accessible and openly discussed.

Bridging Entertainment and Entrepreneurship

Suniel Shetty currently plays a pivotal role as the host and mentor on the business reality series Bharat Ke Super Founders. The show is designed to spotlight real entrepreneurial journeys rather than glamorized success stories. It dives into the practical side of building companies in India, emphasizing discipline, patience, and resilience over overnight success narratives.

The series showcases founders from diverse sectors, including technology, consumer products, finance, logistics, and manufacturing. Each episode reflects the reality of starting small, facing repeated failures, managing limited resources, and learning from market misjudgments. These stories resonate strongly with aspiring entrepreneurs who seek practical insights rather than theoretical motivation.

Real Challenges Behind Big Brands

One of the core strengths of the show lies in its honest portrayal of business struggles. It does not shy away from discussing funding challenges, operational breakdowns, or strategic mistakes. Instead, it presents these experiences as essential stepping stones toward sustainable growth. This realistic approach aligns with Suniel Shetty’s own philosophy of steady progress, whether in fitness, cinema, or business.

The show also emphasizes that successful ventures in India often stem from a deep understanding of local realities. Rather than copying global models, many founders featured on the series have developed solutions tailored to uniquely Indian problems. This localized innovation has helped them scale responsibly while remaining connected to grassroots needs.

Innovation Rooted in Indian Context

Another important aspect highlighted throughout the series is the balance between innovation and discipline. Entrepreneurs featured on the platform demonstrate how creativity must be supported by strong systems, ethical practices, and long-term thinking. These values echo the same principles Suniel Shetty associated with walking and wellness in his film anecdote, suggesting that consistency often outperforms shortcuts.

By blending entertainment with education, the show creates a meaningful dialogue around modern entrepreneurship. It encourages viewers to rethink success, not as rapid wealth accumulation, but as a process built on learning, adaptability, and sustained effort.

Where to Watch the Series

For audiences interested in business, leadership, and real-world startup stories, Bharat Ke Super Founders is available for streaming on Amazon MX Player. The platform provides free access to the series, making valuable entrepreneurial insights available to a wide audience across the country.