Veteran actor Shekhar Suman reminisced about a humorous encounter with the dacoit turned politician Phoolan Devi. He revealed that despite her fearsome reputation, Phoolan Devi confessed to being intimidated by his probing questions. Shekhar Suman fondly remembered the moment when Phoolan Devi, known as the ‘Bandit Queen,’ sat with her feet not touching the ground, prompting him to humorously question her about her past exploits.
In a candid conversation, Shekhar Suman shared an amusing anecdote from his interview with Phoolan Devi. He humorously recounted how he teased her about her ability to ride a horse and carry a rifle despite her petite stature. The actor also recalled Phoolan Devi’s witty response when he asked if she was afraid of anyone, to which she jokingly pointed at him as the one who scared her.
The narrative of Phoolan Devi’s extraordinary life journey, from a child bride to a notorious bandit and eventually a politician, was vividly portrayed in Shekhar Kapur’s acclaimed 1994 biographical film “Bandit Queen.” Featuring Seema Biswas in the lead role, the movie captured the essence of Phoolan Devi’s rebellious spirit and transformation. Notable actors like Nirmal Pandey, Aditya Srivastava, and Manoj Bajpayee also contributed to the film’s success with their compelling performances.
Recalling another memorable encounter, Shekhar Suman mentioned his interview with the late politician Bal Thackeray. He fondly remembered how Thackeray appreciated his work and even extended an invitation for a second interview. Shekhar Suman humorously recounted the incident when he jokingly mentioned the lack of a spare costume, to which Thackeray suggested continuing the interview in the same attire, creating a lasting memory for the actor.
