Shekhar Suman & Son Adhyayan's Journey to 'Heeramandi' Puts 'Talent Over Nepotism'

"Of course, I am interested in politics. But one thing at a time. Currently, let me learn to navigate the politics of Bollywood," says Shekhar Suman with his unmistakable candour.

As the election fever grips the nation with campaigning and voting in full swing, the actor says he has not thought of joining politics as many of his colleagues as yet.

"One cannot do two things together, even if one goes with the right intent it is misunderstood. So as and when", he says.

A career in politics is on the back-burner for the actor, as he and his son Adhyayan are all set to share screen space in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-awaited "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar". Set against the backdrop of India's freedom struggle, the influential tawaifs (courtesans) who held court at Heeramandi, the diamond bazaar in Lahore, were key players in the country's social and political narratives.

Starring an ensemble cast which includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Richa Chadha, the show also sees the comeback of actor Fardeen Khan as well as Adhyayan Suman.

Both father Shekhar and son Adhyayan play pivotal characters in a narrative helmed by women. Shekhar Suman who plays the flamboyant Nawab Zulfiqar says getting to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been an opportunity for both him and his son.

"It was a moment of pride for us both as we left for the set not as father and son, but as two characters in Bhansali's cinematic world. Bhansali is a stickler for perfection and the cast he has chosen is the same, so there are bound to be fireworks. Yes, it is a female-centric narrative and the males could look incidental, but here they are very significant. The dynamics between the Tawaifs and the Nawabs were intimate. The Nawabs were the catalyst in the politics and power play infolding within the Kothas. It's an ensemble cast and everyone has an arc which varies, but in terms of significance they are all important."

However, the actor is glad that Sanjay Leela Bhansali allowed his son Adhyayan, who made his film comeback after nearly a decade.

"I never tried pushing Adhyayan ever nor did I ever make those calls to people to give him a chance. You must fight your own battles. As a father for me, it was the ultimate validation. Adhyayan's journey begins now, yes he lost a few years here and there, but what he has now is enormous", says Shekhar, his voice choked with emotion.

Adhyayan who is sitting alongside him, aware of what this opportunity has meant for him and his family reveals, that he was in initial disbelief when he received the casting call.

"I am grateful to Mr Bhansali for giving me this opportunity at this point in my career, at a time when no one was ready to open their doors for me. He handpicked me and gave me not one but two pivotal characters in the show. His set is the best film school for an actor."

Shekhar Suman who has been vocal about the favouritism and cliques present in the film industry, was one of the first actors to show support for Priyanka Chopra Jonas when she called out the unfair practices in the industry. He admits to never having used his position to help Adhyayan and is happy for the winds of change blowing in the industry.

"I never made any phone calls or sought favours for Adhyayan, it was his battle to fight and win. That's what shapes you. The industry is now moving towards real people who know their craft. How hard they tried to put Priyanka Chopra down, but she came out with flying colours. You cannot stop talent you can sideline it, or push it away but it will finally come out as a winner. Today talent is being noticed and given their right spot".

He further says it's a ruthless and heartless industry where your saleability determines your viability, it's all about perseverance. He mentions the success of films like 12th Fail, and Lapaata Ladies which have brought a change.

"Audience connects to real people, real craft and real cinema. Movies where they spent 100 crores have become box office croppers."

There is a truth in the statement as Bollywood deals with inflated budgets, high costs of production and poor returns on investments.

However, the excitement is palpable for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's digital debut.

Heeramandi premieres on May 1 on Netflix