Sanjay Gaikwad, Shiv Sena MLA In Slapgate Row, Insults Shetty Community: Who Are They?

News18

11-07-2025

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Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad in Slapgate Row Insults Shettys: "These Shettys of the south have defamed Maharashtra's culture, be it in terms of dance bars or ladies bars..."
Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad in Slapgate Row Insults Shettys: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who assaulted a hostel staff member in Mumbai for allegedly serving him stale food, also targeted Shettys – a community from the South – accusing them of 'defaming Maharashtra's culture".
He said that Marathis would have never shown any laxity in serving fresh food if they were allowed to run the canteen.
'These Shettys have been playing with our lives for a long time. Today, they tried to play with my life. My stomach isn't good, and I have been disturbed over it for the last 20 years," Gaikwad told NDTV, adding, 'The Opposition shares their views but do they not know that these Shettys of the south have defamed Maharashtra's culture, be it in terms of dance bars or ladies bars. These things have been going on in Maharashtra for a long time and are being done by the Shettys. Shetty is not written on his forehead but the hotel belongs to the Shettys."
When asked if his reaction would have been different had the canteen staff been a Marathi, the legislator told NDTV that Marathis 'would not have made such a mistake".
#BreakingNews | Amid Sena MLA 'Slapgate' row, non-cognizable complaint filed against Sanjay Gaikwad @kotakyesha with details #MaharashtraPolitics | @akankshaswarups pic.twitter.com/5MTTc6f6CB — News18 (@CNNnews18) July 11, 2025
Who are the Shettys insulted by Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad?
Shetty is primarily a surname used by members of the Bunt community, a landowning and warrior class traditionally found in Tulu Nadu — a region covering coastal Karnataka and northern Kerala.
The Bunt community has historically been feudal landlords, administrators, and warriors during the times of local dynasties like the Alupas. One of the Bunt community's most distinctive features is its matrilineal inheritance system. Their most common surnames are Shetty, Rai, Hegde, and Chowta.
Mumbai is home to over 10 lakh Bunts, including the famous Aishwarya Rai.
From where did the word 'Shetty' originate?
The word 'Shetty' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'shreshti' or 'shreshta', meaning wealthy merchant or nobleman. It was historically a title of respect given to prominent businessmen and community leaders, especially in coastal trading towns.
Most Shettys speak Tulu, Konkani, or Kannada, depending on their region. Most Shettys are Hindus, especially followers of deities like Shiva, Durga, and local deities like Nagamandala or Bhoota Kola spirits. Some Shettys are also Jains, especially in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
The famous Shettys
Shilpa Shetty: Actor
Suniel Shetty: Actor and entrepreneur
Rohit Shetty: Film director
Anushka Shetty: Actor
Mumbai: On Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad slapping a canteen staff alleging poor food quality, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, 'No need to file any complaint, to take action against Sanjay Gaikwad, police should inquire into the matter…" pic.twitter.com/Kg6T2sGzuD — ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2025
What is the connection between Shettys and hospitality industry?
The Bunt community traditionally managed land and feasts, especially during temple festivals and family ceremonies. Their organising skills, hospitality instincts, and culinary traditions translated into the restaurant and hotel industry. From the early 20th century, many Tulu-speaking Shettys migrated to Mumbai, initially working as cooks or waiters. They opened 'Udupi restaurants', which became famous for South Indian vegetarian cuisine.
In Bangalore, Bunt Shettys run many Darshinis or fast-food South Indian outlets and mid-range vegetarian restaurants.
In Dubai, Singapore, USA, and Canada, Shettys have opened Indian restaurants, many focused on vegetarian food or Mangalorean coastal cuisine.
Shilpa Shetty also owns hospitality brand called Bastian.
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