Here’s a look at director Rohit Shetty’s story ranging from his early days to now being one of the most successful film directors in the Hindi film industry.
Early Life and Family Background
Rohit Shetty was born on March 11, 1974, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India. He is the son of Muddu Babu Shetty, a well-known stuntman, actor, and action choreographer in Hindi cinema, and Ratna Shetty. Rohit grew up in a large family with five siblings: Uday, Mahek, Kiran, Hriday, Chanda, and Chaya Shetty. Inspired by his father’s work in the film industry, Rohit developed a strong desire to pursue a career in films from a young age. Despite his early passion for cinema, he maintained good academic performance and studied at St. Mary’s High School & Junior College in Mumbai.
Early Career as an Assistant Director
At just 17 years old, Rohit began working in Bollywood as an assistant director, with his first role on Ajay Devgn’s debut film Phool Aur Kaante. This opportunity opened the door for him to work on several successful movies as an assistant director, including Suhaag, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, Hindustan Ki Kasam, and Raju Chacha. During this period, he focused on learning the intricacies of film direction, building a strong foundation for his future directorial career.
Directorial Debut and Early Successes
In 2003, Rohit made his directorial debut with Zameen, starring Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, and Bipasha Basu. Although the film was modestly received, it marked Rohit’s entry as a director. His breakthrough came in 2006 with Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, a comedy starring Ajay Devgn, which became a major hit and established the foundation for the popular Golmaal series.
Establishing His Brand in Bollywood
Rohit continued to build his reputation with several more films that blended action and humor. In 2008, he directed Sunday and Golmaal Returns, both of which performed well at the box office. However, his career took a major leap in 2011 with Singham, an action-drama film also starring Ajay Devgn. The film was a huge success and solidified Rohit’s position as one of Bollywood’s leading directors, known for his unique action sequences and dynamic storytelling.
Rise to Fame and Continued Success
Building on Singham’s success, Rohit directed Bol Bachchan in 2012, which was also popular with audiences. His 2013 film Chennai Express, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, became one of the highest-grossing films in Bollywood history. Over the years, he expanded the Singham and Golmaal franchises, both of which have become enduring favorites among audiences.
Recent Work and Signature Style
Rohit Shetty’s recent films include Simmba (2018), Sooryavanshi (2021) and Singham Again (2024), which are connected to his Singham universe. Known for his affinity for high-octane action, Rohit’s movies are defined by their entertainment value and wide mainstream appeal.
Personal Life
Rohit Shetty is known to keep his personal life private. He has been married to Maya Rohit Shetty for nearly two decades, and they have a son, Ishaan. Though Rohit rarely discusses his family in the media, he has occasionally been seen at public events with his son.
Passion for Cars and Luxurious Residence
Known for his love of cars, Rohit Shetty is an avid automobile enthusiast with an impressive collection that includes a Land Rover Range Rover Vogue, Lamborghini Urus, Ford Mustang GT, and several other luxury vehicles. His residence in Juhu, Mumbai, is a 10-storey building that reflects this passion, with the first four floors dedicated entirely to housing his extensive car collection. Shetty himself resides on the top two floors, enjoying both a spacious living area and a breathtaking view of the city.
