Hosting a show comes easily to Shekhar Suman. This time, Shekhar will take over the microphone for a musical concert, Dil Se. The actor-host will croon tracks by Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh and Manna Dey. Shekhar considers it to be a dream- -come-true moment. He says, “I don’t hail from a musicians’ family. However, we do have a ear for music. My mother sings well, and so does my elder sister and wife, although none of us have been professionally trained. If I have to write an autobiography, my proficiency in music will be the highlight of it. In fact, I do wish to take this show internationally. But it depends on the show’s success in Mumbai.”
He is quick to remind us that a few years ago, it was a prerequisite to know singing and acting for one to gain entry into the film industry. He says, “I remember my father telling me that the likes of Ashok Kumar, K. L. Saigal knew how to act and sing songs as well. Today, this trend is being revived by our contemporary actors who are all-rounders — they are good at everything!”
The year has started on a positive note for Shekhar — not only has his dream of singing onstage, come true, but he has also bagged a film Bhoomi, which is touted to be Sanjay Dutt’s comeback project. The two have worked together in Insaaf Apne Lahoo Se before. Shekhar will play a tourist in Bhoomi, while Sanjay plays a shoe shop owner. “The film is set in Agra. I will leave for the schedule some time next week,” he reveals. Shekhar can’t stop gushing about his co-star. He says, “He has changed so much. I guess age is a great factor. We learn, and experience so much with time. All I can say is that he has become very matured now.”
Shekhar gets philosophical as we talk about his journey in the film industry. While he feels that he hasn’t got due credit for his work in the business, he is not complaining. He says, “I have no regrets. If you look at it the other way, I could have been deprived of what I have received too. So at this point in time, I am happy for whatever God has bestowed on me. I believe in going ahead in life on a happy and positive note.”
Shekhar is also trying to drill this bit of positivity into his son Adhyayan Suman, who was dragged into the Kangana-Hrithik controversy last year, due to his relationship with Kangana Ranaut. Shekhar says, “He has lost trust in girls now. He told me that he doesn’t trust any one anymore. Who knows? He may find a soulmate in the future. Incidentally, he is directing and acting a film where two soulmates find each other while travelling from Mumbai to New York.” He continues, “Today he has realised that family is the biggest support in anyone’s life. As a parent, what more can I ask for?”
