Muddu Babu Shetty

M. B. Shetty (born Muddu Babu Shetty; 1 January 1938 – 23 January 1982) was an Indian film stuntman, action choreographer and actor. He was known for his works in Hindi cinema and was widely known as "Shetty" for his bald head and towering personality. He was also the father of director Rohit Shetty. Shetty started his career as a waiter in a Tata Company canteen in Mumbai. He then developed a passion for boxing and bodybuilding and became a champion boxer for eight years. He was noticed by actor Pran, who convinced director Subodh Mukherjee to give him a chance as a fight director. His first job was on the set of Munimji (1955). He then worked as a stunt coordinator, action choreographer and stunt master in several films, such as Aag, Barsaat, Junglee, China Town, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, April Fool, Sawan Ki Ghata, Brahmachari, Pyar Hi Pyar, Buddha Mil Gaya, Victoria No. 203, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Ganga Ki Saugand, Bombay 405 Miles and Jail Yatra. He was known for his innovative and thrilling stunts and his ability to handle different genres. He also acted in some films, such as Tumsa Nahin Dekha, An Evening in Paris, Kismat, Ankhen, Elaan, Seeta Aur Geeta, Rakhwala, Kahani Kismat Ki, Dost, Don, The Great Gambler, Trishul, Deewaar and Shalimar. He played mostly villainous roles and was often cast opposite heroes half his size. He was praised for his menacing and powerful performances and his ability to portray different types of characters. He also ventured into TV serials in the late 1980s. His first TV serial was Dil Dariya, which is credited for discovering Shah Rukh Khan, who played the lead role. He also directed other popular TV serials, such as Phir Wahi Talash, Farmaan and Doosra Keval. He was known for his realistic and engaging storytelling and his ability to handle different genres. He also acted in some TV serials, such as Amrapali and Mujrim Hazir. He was honoured with a stamp by the Indian government in 2004 and a doctorate from the University of Mumbai in 2005. He was also the recipient of several other awards, such as the Filmfare Award, the Nandi Award, and the CineMAA Award. He was also active in politics. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and campaigned for the party in the 1999 general elections. He died of a serious fall at home that proved to be fatal on 23 January 1982, at his home in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, at the age of 44. He was survived by his two wives, Vinodini and Ratna, who were both actresses, and his seven children, Hriday, Uday, Abhinay, Chanda, Chaya, Mahek and Rohit, who are also in the film industry. He is still regarded as one of the greatest stuntmen, action choreographers and actors of Indian cinema and an inspiration for many.