Mumbai is known as the city of dreams, where young actors come every year hoping to act in films with big stars. Although achieving a desired role takes years for many actors, actor Shekhar Suman's story developed differently.
Just fifteen days after moving from Delhi to Mumbai, Shekhar Suman's destiny changed in a way he never imagined. He received an offer to play the lead role in Shashi Kapoor's film 'Utsav.'
In a recent interview, Shekhar Suman spoke about his debut. He mentioned that he had studied acting at the Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts in Delhi and then worked for about two years in one company. It was during this period that actress and film producer Shammi offered him a part in a film.
He recounted: 'One day Shammi came to our company. She said she was shooting a film called 'Pighalta Aasman,' starring Shashi Kapoor and Rahi. There was an open supporting role, and she was looking for a young artist. Everyone present expressed interest in the film and was very excited about the project. But I was chosen for this role. Shammi said I looked good and should play this role.'
After this, Shekhar Kapoor traveled from Delhi to Mumbai, where he first met Rahi and Shashi Kapoor. In the film 'Pighalta Aasman,' Shashi Kapoor and Rahi played the main roles, while Shekhar had a minor role. After the filming wrapped up, he was planning to return to Delhi when Shammi gave him her number and asked him to call her upon arriving in Mumbai. So, when Shekhar returned to Mumbai, he called Shammi first and went to meet her. Shashi Kapoor was also present there. Shashi offered him the film 'Utsav.'
Shekhar shared that Shashi Kapoor told him: 'I am shooting a big film in which Amitabh Bachchan plays a negative role for the first time. The film will be shot in Hindi and English. After that, Shashi told me he was looking for a hero and asked if I would like to be the hero in this film?'
Receiving this offer, Shekhar was astonished, as he had only recently arrived in Mumbai and heard that film offers are usually made after long struggles in Mumbai. Furthermore, it was shocking for Shekhar that Rekha was also starring in this film. Hearing the name Rekha, Shekhar was stunned and thought it must be a joke.