I am preparing for a life after acting: Sunil Shetty

The actor who has back to back movies lined up for release over the year, said that he realises that it is time he started thinking about a life after cinema.

"I have always tried to balance things but there is life after cinema and I want to do so many other things. I have my family, my business. I am preparing for a life after acting," the 47-year-old actor who is also a successful hotelier and a film producer, said in an interview.

But while the actor is thinking of gradually moving away from showbiz, new honours are seeking out Shetty. His film 'Red Alert: The War Within' has won the 'Director's Vision Award at Stuttgart film festival and Shetty's performance has been lauded by the international press.

"It's a great feeling because this is the first time that any of my films has been showcased at an international festival. I am happy that my performance has been noticed. The German press has given the movie five stars. The recognition feels great," said Shetty who plays a farm labourer caught in a cross fire between the government and naxalites in the film.

But the versatile actor's upcoming film, 'Daddy Cool' produced by BIG Pictures is a far cry from the war drama that is winning him international recognition.

"The film is about a funeral and how everything that could go wrong does go wrong, changing the sombre event into a hilarious incident. I play the eldest son of the dead man who is a struggling writer. I play a sensitive, emotional guy whose nagging wife adds to his pains," said Shetty about his character.

The actor who just wrapped up the shooting for the film 'No Problem' in South Africa, said that he believes cinema is primarily a medium of entertainment.

"'No Problem' where I am working with Sanjay Dutt and Anil Kapoor is again a comedy with an ensemble cast. I do films that entertain people. I do a lot of comedies because I believe there is nothing better than making people laugh and that is what gives me creative satisfaction," said Shetty who shed his action hero image with comedies like 'Hera Pheri', 'Aawara Paagal Diwana' and 'Apna Sapna Money Money'.

And Shetty who will be seen in a series of ensemble comedies said that he does not mind sharing the spotlight with other actors while a part of a large star cast.

"While working with a large star cast you have to be at your best. And there is an amazing brotherhood between the actors of the industry and that makes it an enjoyable experience.," said the actor who is friends with everyone in the industry, from the Bachchans to Akshay Kumar, who he counts as a special friend.

"Me and Akshay began our careers almost at the same time and he is a person who really inspires me. He has worked hard to achieve what he has today. Yet he is a down to earth guy, really child like and innocent," said Shetty about his co-star from the much hyped film 'Blue' which is being touted as the most expensive film ever made.

The film, an action thriller is one of the most awaited films of the year, with a star cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan and an item number by none other than pop princess Kylie Minogue.

"It was amazing shooting for the film because again as we all bonded on the sets. The underwater stunts were shot in Bahamas and that was great fun. I am looking forward to the film as much as everyone else," said Shetty.

But the actor who has spent more than two decades in the film industry has no plans to turn director.
"I don't have it in me to direct a film. There are plenty of directors in the industry to do that and my business pursuits outside the industry keeps me busy," said Shetty.