Though best remembered for the Hera Pheri films, Suniel Shetty’s comic genius goes beyond in other films as well.
As Bollywood star Suniel Shetty celebrates his 64th birthday on August 11, fans across the globe cannot help but recall his vast body of work. Known for his hard-hitting action thrillers and heartfelt patriotic dramas, he was certainly one of the most loved action heroes of the 1990s.
However, beyond his rugged persona, the one aspect of his career that deserves renewed attention is his comic brilliance, which managed to shine the brightest in the beloved Hera Pheri franchise. His flawless comic timing and humour in films like Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006) showcased his pure talent, which offered a deeply refreshing take.
In Hera Pheri, Shetty was seen as Shyam, a recently unemployed, no-nonsense man trying to claim a job that is rightfully his. However, with a twist of fate, he ends up sharing a room with two chaotic characters: Raju (Akshay Kumar), a schemer, and Baburao (Paresh Rawal), the eccentric landlord. However, his controlled portrayal of the ‘straight man’ in this trio made him stand out. Amid all the chaos of Raju and Baburao, Shyam adds to the overall balance, and ends up becoming a foil to Raju’s antics and Babu Bhaiya’s cluelessness.
We all remember the scenes of Shyam struggling to control his rage as Raju puts him in absurd situations? From his dry comic delivery in scenes to a restraint performance both relatable and hilarious, there was no one else who could play Shyam as well as Shetty did.
Nonetheless, the success of Hera Pheri didn’t just lie in its brilliant script, it was mostly due to the chemistry between the three leads. With Paresh Rawal’s Babu Bhaiya being the comic heart of the film, Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty delivered some of their best comic work in the film, and the latter certainly helped in grounding the madness. The contrast between Shyam’s seriousness and the other characters’ buffoonery cannot be overlooked. With his straight face, Shetty actually ended up enhancing the humour and the absurdity of the other two, and it is much harder to do than it looks.
Next up was Phir Hera Pheri, which was released in 2006. While the expectations were sky-high, the trio delivered once again. Shetty remained true to his character’s essence, and remained a realist while the world around him was spiraling out of control. Be it scenes involving gangsters or schemes to get rich instantly, Shetty's expressions and punchlines with his straight-faced delivery remain unmatched.
And guess what? The trio are set to reunite with director Priyadarshan for the third installment of the beloved Hera Pheri franchise. And the audience cannot certainly wait.
Though he is best remembered for the Hera Pheri films, Suniel Shetty’s comic timing shone through in other films as well, including Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), De Dana Dan (2009), or No Problem (2010). Unlike many actors who delve deep into slapstick humour, his comedy is built on timing and natural reactions. His performances in these comedy films can serve as a masterclass in how to play comedy without playing for laughs.
On his birthday, it’s worth raising a toast not just to Suniel Shetty the action star, but also the unsung comic genius. Happy Birthday, Anna!
