Shekhar Suman: Exclusive: Adhyayan was battling his fate and has finally come

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heeramandi’ has Shekhar Sumar and his son Adhyayan sulking in the affection that is being showered upon them. In a rare interview with ETimes, Suman looks back on his career and shares touching tales of his time spent working with the late great Rekha on “Utsav” as well as his son Adhyayan’s tenacity in the business. In the realm of film, Suman’s story captures the spirit of family support and the erratic unpredictability of fate, from the apprehensive exhilaration of his debut to seeing his son’s success.Take-outs:

What was your first impression of the Heeramandi special screening?
It was too much. It was a healing experience. For my kid, not for myself. I’ve seen life. I no longer feel strongly about pleasure or despair. However, my kid has had to wait for fifteen years of his childhood. He’s experienced a great deal. I had one son die. I was determined not to lose the other. That is to say, I was unable to perceive him in that light. However, he never gave up. He persisted in battling and advancing. I thought it was his day. Although everyone in Heeramandi did an amazing job, I was waiting for his moments. I felt like a very good actor and parent. The premiere of Heeramandi had equal significance to that of my first picture, Utsav.

How did Rekha, your co-star in Utsav, respond?
She is a generous, kind, and loving individual. Consider how kind she must have been to consent to do Utsav in front of me, a debutante. She was totally in my corner. How can I express my gratitude to her? She and the film’s producer, Shashi Kapoor, have my gratitude.
“Jab tum aaye the tum bachche the,” she remarked tenderly when she spotted Heeramandi. Itna bada ho gaya hai ab tumhara bachcha bhi aur perform kar raha hai. She gave Adhyayan a hug and a blessing as soon as he touched her feet. It was his first time meeting her. It was a lovely occasion.

How is Rekha doing today, and how was she then?
She has not changed from who she was. Chehre pe, Umar ki kuchh lakeerein aa jaati hain. However, that is all that is said. She is gorgeous, and so is her heart. Wohi pyaar hai, wohi khumari, unki aankhon mein. She was sent by God. She is the same lady who I got to know years ago.

What recollections do you have of Utsav?
When I was filming the movie, I was in my early twenties, and my first scene with her was a private one. I was trying to act like I wasn’t anxious. Rekha, whom we have idolized since we were little, would make anybody uneasy, and yet there she was, my heroine. I’m still grateful to God for this chance.

Director Girish Karnad informed me that she is a really competent individual. Don’t be uncomfortable, then. You are free to perform the scenario anyway you like. I nailed my first attempt at putting my arm around her. “Girish, he looks very comfortable,” Rekha replied, turning to face the director and laughing. “He should have been nervous, right?” “No, no, he would have been nervous,” Karnad said. He has been pretending to be you while practicing with a pillow all day. That’s how they assisted me in reducing my anxiety. It’s easier when your co-star exhibits the same level of professionalism as Rekha.

How did you assist your kid Adhyayan through his difficult periods?
I had to be the source of all the strength and encouragement he need. He had given up. He had all the support he needed from his mother and father.
Do you believe that the business did not back him?

I’m not sure. Placing blame is a pointless exercise. You must resist your fate. It must be turned around while you are holding it by the nape of its neck. Why should you assign blame? due to the nature of the business. This is how the world is. Obstacles and adversaries abound in all professions, not just the film business. Not every diligent worker aspires to be an Ambani.

Adhyayan is a big-hearted, caring child who was raised nicely. He speaks softly. His modesty is admirable. He’s a fantastic actor. And no one is at fault if he isn’t understanding. It is destined. In your life, fate has a significant influence. He was battling fate, and fate has now smiled upon him. He’s here now. He got Mr. Bhansali by fate.

When you spotted him at Heeramandi, what action did you take?
Following the viewing, we sobbed, yelled, embraced, and rejoiced when we got home. The program is geared for women. There’s not much room for the males.

These positions may only last a short while, but it matters when and where they are used. Adhyayan’s moment with Richa Chadha, for which Bhansali Saab gave him a pat on the back and an embrace, just leaves you speechless. He remembers it, and it really boosted his confidence. The movie night was one to remember. We celebrated till four in the morning.