Shekhar Suman recalls Phoolan Devi admitting fear of his 'fiery' questions
Synopsis
Veteran actor Shekhar Suman revealed a candid moment from his interview with Phoolan Devi, where the legendary dacoit admitted that his probing questions scared her more than any adversary she had faced. The anecdote sheds light on the Bandit Queen's vulnerability beneath her fearless public persona and Suman's reputation for uncompromising journalism.
Key Takeaways
Veteran actor Shekhar Suman recalled an exclusive interview with dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi .
Phoolan Devi admitted she was intimidated by Suman's 'fiery' and probing questions during the conversation.
When asked who she feared, Devi humorously replied, "You, you fire at me," acknowledging his sharp interviewing style.
Phoolan Devi's life story was immortalised in filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's 1994 film 'Bandit Queen' , starring Seema Biswas .
Suman also recalled a memorable interview with Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray , who praised his interviewing approach.
Veteran actor Shekhar Suman recently recalled a memorable interaction with dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi, revealing how the fearless Bandit Queen admitted she was intimidated by his probing interview style. Speaking in an exclusive conversation, Suman shared details of an encounter that left Devi visibly unsettled despite her notorious reputation for wielding a rifle and commanding armed gangs across the ravines of Uttar Pradesh.
The Memorable Exchange
During the interview, Shekhar Suman observed that Phoolan Devi's feet were not touching the ground as she sat, prompting him to ask how someone of her stature could have mounted a horse while holding a rifle. The 'Dekh Bhai Dekh' actor then posed a direct question: "You have shot so many people, are you afraid of anyone?" To his surprise, Devi responded with candour, saying, "You, you fire at me" — a humorous acknowledgement that his sharp questioning style was more intimidating than any physical threat she had faced.
Phoolan Devi's Legendary Story
The life of Phoolan Devi — from child bride to dacoit to Member of Parliament — became the subject of filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's acclaimed 1994 biographical drama 'Bandit Queen'. The film, starring Seema Biswas in the title role, featured Manoj Bajpayee, Nirmal Pandey, Aditya Srivastava, and Gajraj Rao in supporting roles, and remains a landmark work in Indian cinema documenting her extraordinary transformation.
Shekhar Suman's Interview Approach
Suman denied ever feeling nervous while interviewing high-profile personalities, suggesting his confidence and directness have become hallmarks of his journalistic style. His willingness to ask uncomfortable questions has apparently earned him a reputation that even former outlaws found daunting.
Another Notable Interview: Bal Thackeray
Shekhar Suman also reminisced about his interview with late Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray. When Thackeray called to praise one of Suman's shows, the actor seized the opportunity to extend an invitation for an on-camera conversation. After the first interview concluded, Thackeray reportedly expressed enthusiasm for a second segment, saying, "It was a lot of fun, do one more." When Suman joked that they lacked another costume, Thackeray responded pragmatically: "Let's do it in this." Suman described this moment as one of his most cherished professional memories.
Point of View
But the person beneath. A woman who commanded dacoit gangs and defied state authority found herself disarmed by a journalist's directness. It speaks to the power of unscripted, fearless questioning in Indian media, a quality increasingly rare in an age of managed narratives and PR-vetted soundbites. Suman's willingness to ask uncomfortable questions has apparently earned him credibility even among figures accustomed to wielding power through intimidation.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Phoolan Devi say when asked who she was afraid of?
Phoolan Devi admitted she was intimidated by actor-journalist Shekhar Suman's sharp questioning style. When asked who she feared, she humorously replied, "You, you fire at me," acknowledging that his probing questions were more daunting than any physical adversary.
Who played Phoolan Devi in the 1994 film 'Bandit Queen'?
Seema Biswas played the title character of Phoolan Devi in filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's acclaimed 1994 biographical drama 'Bandit Queen'. The film also featured Manoj Bajpayee, Nirmal Pandey, and Gajraj Rao in supporting roles.
What was Shekhar Suman's observation about Phoolan Devi during the interview?
Shekhar Suman noticed that Phoolan Devi's feet were not touching the ground as she sat, and he pointed out the irony of someone who had mounted horses while wielding a rifle appearing so physically diminished in that moment.
Did Shekhar Suman also interview Bal Thackeray?
Yes, Shekhar Suman recalled an interview with late Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray. After the first interview, Thackeray expressed enthusiasm for a second segment, and they conducted a follow-up conversation, which Suman described as a memorable professional moment.
