Shekhar’s new avatar

Music is like a fine sheet of glass. If you do not dust it every day, it will have a layer of dust, says actor Shekhar Suman. By Ramya Palisetty

Since time immemorial, actors have been singers. In the olden days, music was a necessary requirement to become an actor because of the popularity of musicals. “We were meant to be actor-singers and if one didn’t know the art of singing, they were not selected for a film. Music was part of our training”, said Shekhar Suman who will be in town as the lead singer for his forthcoming concert titled, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, a part of Dil se series.

Every other day, the people fall in love and songs become a medium of celebration. For the broken-hearted, songs soothe the soul. The actor feels a deep emotional connection with songs sung by Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh and Manna Dey, that he will croon for the audience. Songs are our constant companions because an individual identifies with them. There is a relatability aspect involved with every song. In the bygone era, there was music composed for every occasion. Said he: “Looking back, I understand that I was a little filmy but life is a film and everybody is filmy in their own way. Happy songs can be sung by anyone but emotional songs build a connection with the heart and stay forever. The pain endured by a musician is reflected in his soulful voice. Pain is paramount for happiness as optimism emanates pessimism.”

Music has many dimensions attached to it and all of us go through several emotions. The way we cope up varies from person to person but what we feel remains the same. A ray of hope in the darkness, music can rejuvenate ones mood in a matter of seconds. The passion and the determination to learn is a predominant factor for the grueling training process.

“I had to work really hard. It was only after I went through training that I understood music in its entirety at the micro level. Only when you immerse yourself, you understand the little nuances and subtleties that turns a musician into a maestro”, said the actor.

The real challenge for a nascent singer is to show the world the difference between an actor and a singer in regard to their variation in their way of singing. Said he: “An actor can’t replicate a song without putting his individuality and its core essence into it. Music is an extension of my personality. I am sensitive to what others feel. I can go to places where others can’t. Actors are a different lot altogether.” 

The concert was held in Mumbai followed by Pune and  will premier in New Delhi on January 20. The actor will be seen regaling audiences by jamming to a handpicked assortment of romantic numbers primarily from the 60’ and 70’s era accompanied by female playback singer Sanjeevni Bhelande and six-piece orchestra band.

The audience has always been mercurial towards an actor who shifts gears and ventures into new avenues. Said he:  “The question playing in everyone’s mind was when did I learn singing? There are singers all over the world so why not Shekhar Suman? I knew it will take time for people to digest it. Though, in the beginning, the response garnered was of shock but eventually, compliments started pouring in.”

The idea of the concert was conceptualised for the sole purpose of sharing the impact of each song that has played a role in the actor’s life. “Each chosen song has an emotional story behind it and every time, I hear the song playing, I am reminiscing the years gone by with those moments still vivid in my mind,” he said. A song can speak volumes about a person. Added he, “The song, Zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya defines the way I celebrate failures. I would not mourn about things that are out of my control. My emotions and expressions needed manifestation and music became a medium to release my deepest thoughts. Also, I believe if one has learnt a craft, they need to share it with others.”