The Indian entertainment industry, which often finds itself shrouded in the highs and lows of celebrity relationships, recently witnessed veteran actor Shekhar Suman providing his perspective on a past tumultuous affair involving his son, Adhyayan Suman, and actress Kangana Ranaut.
A picture perfect moment on Instagram provided a glimpse of a different era, a shared history between Adhyayan Suman and Kangana Ranaut. However, this memory comes with its share of pain, as Adhyayan alleged in 2016 that Kangana had subjected him to torture and abuse during their time together.
Amidst the anticipation of the storied web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’, father and son Shekhar and Adhyayan Suman are joining forces on screen for the first time. Against this backdrop, Shekhar Suman opened up in an exclusive interview with Zoom about the former relationship that once held his son in its emotional grasp.
“Life is a journey of myriad phases,” mused Shekhar. “Perceptions shift as days roll into nights and back into days again. In love, no one seeks the bitterness of separation; we yearn for lasting bonds, for love’s depth is transcendent and sacred.” The senior Suman reflected on how fate often takes an unexpected turn. “Kangana and Adhyayan found happiness within each other during their time together, and their progression along separate paths was a predestined journey. No malice resides between them now, only memories to be looked upon with warmth, despite the fiery moments that once dominated their past.”
These words of retrospection come from Shekhar Suman as he dives into an exciting new role in a series rich with historical depth. In ‘Heeramandi’, Shekhar portrays Zulfiqar Ahmed, a formidable icon of influence whose every appearance resonates with an aura of power. Adhyayan lends his talents to the series as Zorawar Ali Khan, an imperious nawab whose life is colored by his ambition and self-gratification.
Delving deeper into his character, Shekhar describes Zulfiqar as “a paragon of authority, capturing focus with a whisper rather than a shout,” expressing his eagerness for the audience to partake in the tale that lies at the heart of ‘Heeramandi’—a story that has captured the hearts of the cast and crew alike. “Working under the tutelage of a maestro such as Mr. Bhansali was nothing short of a thrilling and enriching journey,” Shekhar proclaimed.
Adhyayan shared his appreciation for the opportunity to embody Zorawar and the creative vision of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “To carry the mantle of a nawab is to walk with pride and surety, and each word of affirmation from Mr. Bhansali is akin to a revered accolade upon my artistry,” said Adhyayan about his involvement.
The web series itself is a narrative centered in the historic locale of Heeramandi within pre-independence India, against the backdrop of Lahore (now Pakistan), as freedom fervor burgeoned. With a mélange of power, deceit, and ambition, the story unravels amidst the district’s changing fortune.
A star-studded lineup including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Fardeen Khan, and Taha Shah Badussha promises a performance spectrum as diverse as the series’ plot.
As the calendar pages turn towards the premiere, ‘Heeramandi’ signals its grand entrance to the digital library of Netflix, promising patrons an immersion in historical grandiosity from May 1.
Shekhar and Adhyayan Suman are ready to captivate viewers with their on-screen chemistry and nuanced portrayal of complex characters, further enriching the narrative fabric of ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’.
