Shekhar Suman reveals Rekha's obsession with Mumtaz, mimics mannerisms
Synopsis
In a candid interview, actor Shekhar Suman disclosed that Rekha harbours a deep fascination with Mumtaz, extending beyond casual admiration to mimicry and mannerism adoption. The revelation emerges from their enduring professional bond, which began with the 1984 literary adaptation Utsav and continues through decades of industry observation.
Key Takeaways
Shekhar Suman revealed in an IANS interview that Rekha is obsessed with actress Mumtaz .
Rekha mimics Mumtaz's mannerisms and incorporates them into her own behaviour, according to Suman .
The two actors first worked together on the 1984 film "Utsav" , directed by Girish Karnad and produced by Shashi Kapoor . "Utsav" was Shekhar Suman's debut in Hindi cinema, adapting the classical Sanskrit play "Mrichakatika." Suman also critiqued contemporary actors for mispronouncing common words, emphasising language mastery as integral to the craft.
Actor Shekhar Suman has disclosed that veteran actress Rekha is deeply influenced by and obsessed with fellow Bollywood icon Mumtaz, a detail he shared in an exclusive interview with IANS. Speaking about their professional association spanning decades, Suman revealed that Rekha not only mimics Mumtaz exceptionally well but also carries her mannerisms in her everyday conduct — something he says very few people are aware of.
The Rekha-Mumtaz connection
Shekhar Suman told IANS, "She is obsessed with Mumtaz, which very few people know, and she mimics her very well. I even made her do it. Even her mannerisms have an influence of Mumtaz." The observation underscores how Rekha, one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated performers, drew inspiration from Mumtaz's distinctive screen presence and acting style. Mumtaz, known for her work in the 1960s and 1970s, was a prominent figure in Indian cinema before her retirement.
Their shared cinematic history
Rekha and Suman first collaborated on the 1984 film "Utsav", which marked Suman's debut in Hindi cinema. Directed by Girish Karnad and produced by Shashi Kapoor, the film was an adaptation of the classical Sanskrit play "Mrichakatika" (The Little Clay Cart) by Śūdraka. Rekha played the lead role of Vasantasena, a courtesan, while Suman portrayed Charudatta, a poor Brahmin, in the story set in Ujjain.
The ensemble cast
"Utsav" featured a star-studded cast including Shankar Nag, Shashi Kapoor, Amjad Khan, Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Annu Kapoor, Sanjana Kapoor, and Kunal Kapoor, among others. The film represented an ambitious literary adaptation that brought a classical narrative to the Indian screen during the 1980s.
Suman on language and craft
Beyond discussing Rekha, Shekhar Suman also addressed a broader concern in Hindi cinema: the mispronunciation of common words by contemporary actors. He emphasised the inseparable connection between speech and acting, noting that language mastery has historically defined legendary performers. Suman told IANS, "Along with acting, I also wanted to really focus on the speech as both these things are closely connected to one another. Today's actors often mispronounce common words. What do you expect from such people in the industry where Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan are known for their command over the language?"
A global perspective on craft
Suman drew parallels to international cinema, where actors like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and John Hopkins are revered for their linguistic precision and command. He underscored that acting, speech, and behaviour are interconnected elements that define a performer's overall impact and longevity in the industry. This observation reflects a broader conversation in Indian cinema about the importance of diction and linguistic finesse alongside dramatic ability.
Point of View
Suman's disclosure underscores how even the industry's most iconic figures draw from predecessors — in this case, Mumtaz's on-screen magnetism. It also surfaces a valid critique: contemporary Hindi cinema has diluted the emphasis on diction and linguistic command that once defined Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. When actors mispronounce basic words, they erode the craft itself. Suman's point is not pedantic — it reflects a generational gap in rigour.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Shekhar Suman reveal about Rekha's interest in Mumtaz?
Shekhar Suman disclosed in an exclusive IANS interview that Rekha is obsessed with actress Mumtaz and mimics her very well. He stated that Rekha's mannerisms are also influenced by Mumtaz, a detail he says very few people are aware of.
When did Shekhar Suman and Rekha first work together?
They first collaborated on the 1984 film Utsav, which marked Shekhar Suman's debut in Hindi cinema. The film was directed by Girish Karnad and produced by Shashi Kapoor, and was based on the classical Sanskrit play Mrichakatika.
What was Shekhar Suman's role in Utsav?
Shekhar Suman played Charudatta, a poor Brahmin, opposite Rekha's Vasantasena, a courtesan. The story is set in Ujjain and was adapted from the classical Sanskrit play by Śūdraka.
What other point did Shekhar Suman raise in his interview?
Beyond discussing Rekha, Suman critiqued contemporary Hindi cinema actors for mispronouncing common words. He emphasised that language mastery and speech are inseparable from acting, citing legends like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan as examples of performers known for their linguistic command.
