Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 25: Veteran actor Shekhar Suman took a walk down memory lane as he shared a heartfelt post on social media, recalling his debut film Utsav and expressing gratitude to the iconic names who helped launch his career in the 1980s.
In a nostalgic post, Suman wrote,
"Thank you Shash ji for the most stupendous break of my life as the lead actor in your magnum-opus UTSAV, my debut film opposite the prima donna Rekha. Thank you Girish Karnad, The Rhodes Scholar, creator of Tughlaq, for presenting me so well. Thank you Rekha for agreeing to work opposite a rank newcomer. I wouldn't be what I am without any one of you. Thank you universe for accepting me."
Reflecting on his journey, Shekhar once revealed in an interview how fate and a bit of luck changed his life. Just 15 days after moving to Mumbai, he bagged Utsav—thanks to the legendary actress Shammi, who recommended him to Shashi Kapoor and Girish Karnad. Impressed during their first meeting, they cast the 21-year-old Suman opposite the reigning diva Rekha in what became one of the most talked-about films of the era.
Utsav, directed by Girish Karnad and produced by Shashi Kapoor, was known for its bold content and Rekha’s portrayal of a sensuous courtesan. The film stirred controversy for its intimate scenes and erotic themes—especially striking given that it was Suman’s debut. However, the film instantly placed him on the map and earned him critical recognition.
While his Bollywood career saw a handful of notable appearances in films like Manav Hatya, Naache Mayuri, Tridev, Sansar, and Pati Parmeshwar, Shekhar Suman found greater resonance on television. He became a household name with iconic TV shows such as Reporter, Dekh Bhai Dekh, and the pioneering late-night chat show Movers and Shakers, which fused celebrity interviews with political satire and comedy.
Suman also made a mark in the comedy space, judging The Great Indian Laughter Challenge alongside Navjot Singh Sidhu, and later on shows like Comedy Circus and Comedy Superstar.
Most recently, Shekhar Suman received acclaim for his performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s OTT debut Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, marking yet another high point in his enduring and versatile career.