Actor and TV host Shekhar Suman started his career in acting with his first film Utsav opposite Rekha. However, Shekhar Suman faced unemployment and financial struggles after his son Aayush was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Forced to put his film ambitions on hold, he turned to television—a move that would eventually transform his career. Little did he know he would become highest-paid TV host in 1997.
From earning Rs 25,000 to signing Rs 35 Crore deal as TV Host
Shekhar Suman revealed he was paid Rs 25,000 for his debut film role in Utsav. In 1997, he became India’s highest-paid TV personality after signing a reported Rs 35 crore deal for Movers & Shakers—worth over six times more today after inflation adjustment.
ALSO READ: 'Papa, Save Me': Shekhar Suman Recalls Final Moments Of 11-Year-Old Son Aayush
In a conversation with Lallantop, Suman recalled, "When it was offered to me, I delivered my best acting. I thought if I show my excitement then the deal would fall through. 'Can you make it 40?', I asked (laughs), although I’d rush back home in excitement and declare I was getting Rs 35 crore."
Shekhar Suman recalls Aayush's final words for whom he switched to TV
Shekhar Suman recalled his son Aayush’s final days, revealing that the 11-year-old began reciting Sanskrit shlokas as his health deteriorated.
He noted, "Before his death, he had started reciting Sanskrit shlokas. He was 11. I don’t know how he did it. He said he saw a golden light coming, held my hand and told me, ‘Papa, I don’t want to go. Please save me.’"
"Then he started reciting some Sanskrit shlokas and we were flustered. He then told each one of us who were with him at that time, including our driver, that he loved us. He was like an angel; he was a beautiful child," said Suman.
As of now, Shekhar Suman is living a peaceful life with his wife Alka Suman and son Adhyayan Suman. He mentioned that his late son Aayush is a part of their everyday conversations.
FAQs
Was Shekhar Suman involved in politics?
Yes. He contested the 2009 Lok Sabha election from Patna Sahib on an Indian National Congress ticket. Later, in May 2024, he briefly joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before stepping away.
What are Shekhar Suman's most famous TV shows?
He played Sameer Diwan in Dekh Bhai Dekh and hosted Movers & Shakers, alongside shows like Carry On Shekhar and judging The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.