Veteran actor Shekhar Suman recently shared an intriguing insight about Bollywood icon Rekha, unveiling a lesser-known facet of her personality. According to him, Rekha holds a profound admiration for yesteryear star Mumtaz, which is even reflected in her on-screen style and expressions.
Shekhar Suman on Rekha's Obsession with Mumtaz
Opening up about this unique connection, Shekhar Suman told IANS, "She is obsessed with Mumtaz, which very few people know, and she mimics her very well. I even made her do it. Even her mannerisms have an influence of Mumtaz." He added that anyone who closely observes Rekha's gestures and performance style can notice subtle traces of Mumtaz's influence.
Rekha and Shekhar Suman in 'Utsav'
Interestingly, Rekha and Shekhar Suman shared screen space in the film 'Utsav', which also marked Shekhar's debut. Directed by Girish Karnad and produced by Shashi Kapoor, the movie is based on the classical Sanskrit play 'Mrichakatika'. Rekha played the courtesan Vasantasena, while Shekhar portrayed Charudatta, set against the backdrop of ancient Ujjain. The film featured a strong ensemble cast including Shankar Nag, Amjad Khan, Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. 'Utsav' blended romance and drama, narrating the emotional journey of two individuals from different social backgrounds who cross paths under unusual circumstances.
Shekhar Suman on Acting and Language
Apart from his revelations about Rekha, Shekhar Suman also expressed concern over how language and diction are often overlooked in modern cinema. He said, "Along with acting, I also wanted to really focus on the speech as both these things are closely connected to one another. Today's actors often mispronounce common words. What do you expect from such people in the industry where Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan are known for their command over the language?" He further added, "In fact, all over the world - it may be Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, or Anthony Hopkins – they are all known due to their language. Acting, speech, behaviour, all these things move together simultaneously."
Shekhar Suman's Recent Work
Shekhar Suman recently portrayed Nawab Zulfiqar in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's series 'Heeramandi', earning praise for his commanding screen presence and nuanced performance. Despite limited screen time in the ensemble-driven period drama, he added depth and gravitas to the narrative, leaving a strong impression on audiences.
