Shekhar Suman, a veteran Bollywood actor, reflects on his early career and the challenges of working with established stars. In a recent interview, he reminisced about his debut in the 1984 romantic drama Utsav, where he starred opposite the legendary Rekha. Suman reveals that Rekha's professionalism and down-to-earth attitude made him feel at ease, despite the intimate scenes they shared on screen.
Suman describes Rekha as a 'normal' person who never carried the air of a superstar. He appreciated her ability to make him comfortable, even as a newcomer. This contrast between the star's aura and the actor's professionalism was a recurring theme in his early career. Suman also mentions that Rekha never imposed any restrictions on the set, which made him feel more at ease.
The actor also spoke about his experience working with Madhuri Dixit in Manav Hatya (1986). Suman's willingness to take on supporting roles, even when the female lead had a more prominent part, is notable. He mentions that he never consciously avoided films where the female lead had a more prominent role, and he was happy to accept strong supporting parts.
Suman's willingness to take on flawed or controversial characters is another interesting aspect of his career. In Naache Mayuri (1986), he portrayed a negative hero, and in Pati Parmeshwar, his character sought forgiveness. Suman's ability to embody complex and contradictory roles is a testament to his versatility as an actor.
Overall, Shekhar Suman's reflections on his early career provide a fascinating insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by actors in Bollywood. His willingness to take risks and embrace diverse roles has contributed to his enduring success in the industry.
