Suniel Shetty clarifies Raghavan in Shah Rukh Khan's 'Main Hoon Na' was not a villain: 'Jab desh se pyaar karta hoon...'

Suniel Shetty, who has been a prominent figure in Hindi cinema for over three decades and has featured in more than 100 films, openly discussed various subjects at the trailer launch of his new movie Kesari Veer, including his role in the Prince Dhiman-directed film and his perspective on why his character Raghavan from Main Hoon Na should not be considered a villain.
Suniel Shetty on Raghavan’s Character
When discussing his role in Shah Rukh Khan’s 'Main Hoon Na', Suniel Shetty expressed that his character Raghavan shouldn’t be seen as a villain because of his deep love for the country. He explained, “Jab desh se pyaar karta hoon villain ho hi nahi sakta. Desh se badhkar mere liye kuch nahi hai. I’m not just saying it, but even in sports, ya kahi bhi ho jab mere desh ki baat aarahi hai, I think I’m a different human being altogether. And that is why, isiliye main isko ek extension bolta hoon. Main kabhi dara nahi hoon, Raghavan negative tha according to script but jab maine sunna mujhe sirf do minute lage haa karne mein. I remember Farah (Khan) telling me the script, ‘Ache, ache sunke darr jaate hai, tum kaise haa boldiye’.”
Shetty’s Perspective on the Role
He concluded, “I said dushman humara humesha wohi rahega. Mere bache ki maut hui hai, woh bhi border ke iss paar mujhe sirf uski body chahiye. Aur dene ke liye taiyaar nahi the. Toh main kis angle se negative tha? Dev ke pov se bhi mujhe award mila tha for Dhakdan ki yeh negative hai, lekin jab aap apni girlfriend se Itna pyaar karte ho woh negative ho kaise sakta hai. So I look at all my characters this way. My character in the film is equally important. He loves his daughter. You will understand when you watch the film. I know it will be a struggle for people to watch the film in theatres”.
About 'Kesari Veer'
'Kesari Veer', starring Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Akanksha Sharma, and Sooraj Pancholi, is a highly anticipated film directed by Prince Dhiman and produced by Kanubhai Chauhan. Set for a global release on May 16, 2025, the movie offers an exciting mix of action, drama, and emotional storytelling that aims to engage audiences around the world.