Adhyayan Suman, despite being the son of well-known actor Shekhar Suman, continues to face significant struggles within the Hindi film industry. In a recent conversation, the actor opened up about Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s impact on his career, sharing his disappointment after working in the acclaimed series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, which premiered on Netflix last May.
Seventeen years after his Bollywood debut with Haal-e-Dil in 2008, Adhyayan found hope for a career revival following his portrayal of Zorawar in Bhansali’s opulent period drama. Playing a smaller yet meaningful role, he believed this opportunity would mark a turning point. However, the outcome failed to meet his expectations, leading to personal frustration and broader questions about his future in the industry.
High Hopes and Lingering Disappointment Post-Heeramandi
Adhyayan Suman spoke candidly about how he anticipated positive change after being cast by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a celebrated filmmaker. Despite Bhansali’s public endorsement, further acting roles failed to materialize for Adhyayan.
“I thought my luck would change now and I’d get good work, good roles, but nothing of that sort happened,”
—Adhyayan Suman, Actor
His uncertainty persisted over several months as he reflected on the unexpected lack of new opportunities.
“For six months, I kept wondering — I got a chance to work with arguably the biggest filmmaker in the country today, and he even spoke publicly in my favour. Still, I didn’t get work. Who am I supposed to blame? Myself or the people in the industry?”
—Adhyayan Suman, Actor
The experience left him questioning the value of influential support in a competitive industry where connections do not always guarantee success.
Challenging the Notion of Nepotism and Personal Satisfaction
While nepotism is a frequently debated subject within Bollywood, Adhyayan Suman offered his own perspective, calling the conversation around family connections “futile.” He underscored that privilege does not always translate to consistent opportunities or achievement.
“I didn’t get any work because of nepotism. I can prove that. And you know, I feel nepotism is a very futile debate. It became a sort of fashion conversation,”
—Adhyayan Suman, Actor
The comfort of a privileged upbringing, Adhyayan revealed, has not eased his sense of personal dissatisfaction. Despite the external appearance of luxury, he admitted to feelings of emptiness and frustration.
“Luxury feels like jail at one point in your life,”
—Adhyayan Suman, Actor
He expanded on the disconnect between material wealth and personal accomplishment. Even though his father‘s success provided him with comforts like cars, penthouses, and vacations, a deeper sense of fulfillment remained elusive.
“No matter how many cars your father gives you, or the penthouses or vacations, people like me, with a conscience and a desire to do something in life, feel miserable.”
—Adhyayan Suman, Actor
Struggling for Identity and Ownership Amidst Success
Drawing a stark line between inherited luxury and earned satisfaction, Adhyayan spoke about the challenges of carving out a personal identity. Despite living amidst affluence, he feels ownership over nothing substantial in his own name.
“You’ve owned the car, the house… but it’s not yours. It’s your father’s. It’s his hard work, and you’ve enjoyed it. But after a point, you start asking yourself — what is mine? At 37, I don’t own a home,”
—Adhyayan Suman, Actor
The Road Ahead for Adhyayan Suman and Hindi Film Industry
The story of Adhyayan Suman highlights persistent difficulties experienced by actors, regardless of family background or influential backing. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s impact on Adhyayan Suman’s career has not translated into long-term professional advancement, casting a light on the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of the film industry. As debates around nepotism and privilege continue, many wonder if the landscape will change for ambitious actors like Adhyayan, who strive for recognition based on their own merits.
