Veteran actor Shekhar Suman has sparked a critical conversation within the entertainment industry, calling the escalating PR culture among actors a “disease” and an “obsession” that artists desperately need to avoid. His blunt remarks cut through the glitz and glamour, exposing a raw nerve about what it truly means to be an actor in today’s digital age.
Suman, known for his incisive wit and long career, didn’t mince words, suggesting that the relentless pursuit of public visibility through manufactured means is detrimental to an actor’s craft and psychological well-being. His comments arrive at a time when the lines between genuine talent and carefully curated image seem more blurred than ever.
The Peril of Megalomania: A Disease of Self-Obsession
According to Suman, the current PR trend isn’t just a harmless promotional tactic; it’s a slippery slope leading to “megalomania.” He argues that this constant need to be seen, photographed, and talked about fosters an unhealthy obsession with oneself, pulling actors away from the very essence of their art. “This is not a healthy trend because it’s just leading towards megalomania, that’s leading towards obsession, which is not good for an actor,” Suman stated, pointing out the psychological toll.
He believes that a true artist must transcend their own persona, looking beyond themselves to observe the world with fresh eyes. This external focus is crucial for portraying diverse characters and emotions authentically. However, when an actor is constantly consumed by their own image, always seeking to see themselves reflected everywhere, that vital connection to the external world is severed. “An actor has to have eyes above his own self, his own persona, to just see the world in a different light, not just wanting to see himself all the time, everywhere. ‘I want to be seen’ is a disease, an illness that is creeping in. So, they need to avoid that,” he warned.
The Price of Paparazzi: Mediocrity and Stagnation
One of Suman’s most direct accusations revolves around the alleged practice of actors paying paparazzi for flattering coverage and staged appearances. This transactional relationship, he suggests, not only undermines genuine journalism but also traps actors in a cycle of mediocrity. If an actor’s energy is primarily directed towards ensuring they are photographed in designer clothes, stepping out of luxurious cars, and generating buzz, where does that leave their artistic development?
“Most of the actors pay the paps to be there, they pay the paps to write nice things about them and all. And that’s why they’re all steeped in mediocrity, and they stay where they are,” Suman highlighted. This is a critical point: if the focus shifts from internal growth and skill enhancement to external validation and superficial appearances, the actor’s craft inevitably suffers. The relentless pursuit of ‘likes’ and ‘visibility’ online and off-screen can become a powerful distraction, consuming time and mental space that could otherwise be dedicated to workshops, script analysis, character development, or simply observing life.
Lost in Translation: The Craft vs. The Brand
Suman’s comments underline a growing concern within the industry: the struggle to balance artistic integrity with the demands of personal branding. In an era where social media metrics and tabloid presence often dictate an actor’s perceived ‘value,’ the pressure to maintain a hyper-visible, curated image is immense. However, Suman implicitly argues that this very pressure is counterproductive to what makes an actor truly great.
The energy and concentration required to delve deep into a character, to master nuances, and to deliver a truly memorable performance are immense. If that energy is instead scattered across managing public perception, orchestrating photo opportunities, and chasing fleeting trends, the resulting work will likely lack depth and originality. It creates a generation of performers who are highly visible but perhaps less profoundly impactful.
A Veteran’s Call for Re-evaluation
Shekhar Suman, with decades of experience in film, television, and theatre, speaks from a place of deep understanding of the acting profession. His perspective isn’t that of a jaded outsider but an artist deeply invested in the craft. His call to avoid this “disease” isn’t about shunning promotion entirely, but about re-prioritizing. He advocates for actors to channel their energy into polishing their skills, refining their talent, and immersing themselves in the demanding work of acting.
This means a return to fundamentals: studying, observing, practicing, and focusing on the internal world of the character rather than the external perception of their own celebrity. It’s a plea for authenticity over artifice, for substance over superficiality, and for a long-term commitment to artistry over short-term fame.
Why This Matters
Shekhar Suman’s candid remarks are more than just a veteran’s observation; they’re a crucial wake-up call for the entire entertainment ecosystem. For actors, it’s a reminder to introspect on their motivations and where their energy is truly going. For the industry, it prompts a conversation about the value placed on genuine talent versus manufactured celebrity. And for audiences, it raises questions about the authenticity of the stars they admire, encouraging a deeper appreciation for craft and substance over mere visibility. Ultimately, the health of storytelling and the quality of performances depend on artists prioritizing their skills above all else.
