“Heeramandi came to me when I was not expecting”: Shekhar Suman

Shekhar Suman, soon to appear as Zulfiqar Ahmed in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ recently shared the serendipitous manner in which he joined the project. Portraying a commanding figure, Zulfiqar’s very presence radiates authority and sophistication.

In a conversation, Shekhar expressed his reverence for working with Bhansali, stating, “As an artist, you desire to work with well-known directors. I got a chance to work with him, but on every step, on every path, a person learns something. But when he comes with a good filmmaker, he climbs many steps. So I feel that when I started this work in Heeramandi, it was enough for me to do even one scene. Because to be seen in this environment and to do something is a big thing in itself. But there is also a connection to it. This opportunity came to me at a time when I was not expecting it.”

Adding to the excitement, Shekhar’s son, Adhyayan Suman, is also part of the series, playing Zorawar Ali Khan, a self-centered and affluent ‘nawab.’ Reflecting on their collaboration, Shekhar shared, “I felt so happy when Adhyayan got this project. There were mixed feelings on the sets as I was there as a father, an actor, and a character. I was observing him from three points of view. It is a great feeling when two actors go out for work from the same house.”

Set in the backdrop of India’s freedom struggle in the 1940s, ‘Heeramandi’ is a rich tapestry of love, power, revenge, and liberty. The series boasts a stellar cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and Taha Shah Badussha. ‘Heeramandi’ is set to premiere on Netflix on May 1.