Suniel Shetty talks about his ailing father, daughter's Bollywood debut and alleged fight with Aftab Shivdasani

No films, no commitments, not even the captaincy of the CCL. Suniel Shetty has put aside his entire career and priorities for his father’s sake. To make sure his ailing father is comfortable Suniel Shetty has converted an entire flank of his home in South Mumbai into an ICU, as reported in the media. At the moment nothing matters more to the worried son than his father’s health. Sighs Suniel, “I haven’t had a proper night’s sleep for three months now. It’s a very mixed kind of feeling for me. On the one hand my daughter Aathiya is getting ready for her film career. On the other hand my father is very unwell. So the excitement of Aathiya’s debut is sadly diminished. At the moment we’re all focusing on looking after my father.” This is the reason Suniel Shetty did not play the CCL matches. “I haven’t been able to practice for the matches. So how could I play?” Suniel is aghast about the stories that he had an on-field fracas with teammate Aftab Shivdasani. “How can I ‘come to blows’ with anyone, least of all a guy as sweet and gentle as Aftab? It is very embarrassing to read such stories, especially at a time when I am going through a personal crisis. Right now nothing is more important to me than my father’s health.” Suniel is in fact saying no to movie offers. “There will be many opportunities for work later. The time spent with my father now is much more vital and valuable.” Suniel is not the least perturbed about his precious darling daughter’s shooting schedules outside Mumbai. “I know she’s in completely safe hands. Salman Khan’s production crew is like family to us. They look after both Aathiya and Sooraj like their own children.” Suniel gives Salman a pat on the back for standing by Sooraj. “Salman instinctively knew the boy was being victimized. He stood by Sooraj, insisting that he will make Hero only with Sooraj and Aathiya. I think it requires courage to stand by people in this industry.”