Now a cult Bollywood film, this 2002 multi-starrer was rejected by Shekhar Suman

Despite his amazing acting skills, Shekhar Suman may not have been able to achieve the pinnacle of success that his talent deserves. Although his filmography is relatively small, containing only about 30 films, his acting versatility and dedication are undeniable. Shekhar Suman left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, moving seamlessly between roles ranging from comical to intense.

His journey into film began with an impressive debut in the 1984 erotic drama film ‘Utsav’ opposite the reigning queen of Bollywood, Rekha. Although his performance received critical acclaim, he was not offered the lead role. For the rest of the 1980s, Shekhar Suman mostly took on small supporting roles, but realizing the potential of television, he shifted his focus to this emerging medium in India, where he found further success.

His two serials Deku By Deku and Reporter, which aired on Doordarshan, catapulted him to stardom and made him well known in India. His versatility as an actor was further revealed in his role as host of the popular talk show Movers and Shakers in the late 1990s.

Shekhar Suman’s personal life is marked by both triumphs and tragedies. He married Arca before he ventured into the world of films, and her unwavering support, both financially and emotionally, sustained him in the mid-1980s when her career was at a standstill. He has always acknowledged that his girlfriend plays a vital role in his life. Tragedy struck the couple when his first child Ayush died of heart disease at the young age of her 11 years. This devastating loss has had a huge impact on the actor and his family.

The second son Adhyayan followed his father’s footsteps into the film industry and appeared in films such as ‘Haar-e-Dil’ and ‘Raaz: The Mystery Continues’. However, he struggled to establish himself in the competitive industry and never achieved the same level of success as his father.

In a candid revelation during an interview, Shekhar Suman revealed that he had turned down an important role in a blockbuster film in 2002. He had been offered the role of Chunilal in the highly successful film ‘Devdas’ starring Shah Rukh Khan. Unfortunately, Shekhar Suman turned down the role and the role was ultimately given to Jackie Shroff.