--The secret of Suniel's bulging biceps is a healthy alcohol-free, smoke-free diet. The actor used to train with weights, but due to constraints of time his visits to the gym have considerably reduced. He also took lessons in Karate as a youngster. No wonder he is often dubbed as India’s answer to the hefty Arnold Schwarzenegger.

--Armed with a Hotel Management degree, Shetty and set up his restaurant business. He also owns the popular boutique Mischief. Along with A D Singh, Shetty also owns the upscale pub Suzie Wong in Mumbai. He recently floated his own production company Popcorn Entertainment that produces films and concerts.

--When Raju Mavani’s Balwaan was launched, most actresses were wary of working opposite a newcomer and declined. But the late Divya Bharti conceded to work with him. Her decision wasn't a bad one, considering Balwaan became a runaway success.

--Shetty is a cricket freak and, when not idolising Sachin Tendulkar, loves to read his favourite book Sunny Days by Sunil Gavaskar.

--Shetty who is allergic to prawns and loves home-cooked meals believes in the motto: breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper.

--From a regular Fiat in his school days, Shetty now owns a swanky BMW.

--Shetty is involved in a number of charitable causes like helping the children of Kamatipura (Mumbai's red light area) and for Gujarat's earthquake victims. During the Kargil war, Suniel was one of the first actors who visited the soldiers at the front.

--Shetty gets along like a house on fire with almost all his heroines. He considers Raveena Tandon his 'boyfriend' because of the amazing level of comfort the two share with each other. The duo has paired successfully in films like Dilwale, Mohra and the hit song, Shaher ki ladki (Rakshak).

--Amitabh Bachchan is Shetty's favourite. His dream role is AB's drunken part in Sharaabi. 'It is a complex and brilliant role,' says Shetty.

--After the unfortunate 9/11 attacks, Shetty faced a problem at the Los Angeles airport. The scruffy goatee beard that he had grown for Kaante, which he was shooting for at the time, had the officials thinking he was a suspect. Only after he clarified that he was an Indian actor they let him off.