Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Shekhar Suman Recalls Performing Through Son’s Terminal Illness
Shekhar Suman was working as an actor when his older son Aayush became seriously ill.
He needed money for medical bills, so he accepted some film roles he did not really want.
At the same time, he acted in the funny television show Dekh Bhai Dekh.
He said it was hard to make people laugh while worrying about his son.
Aayush died in 1995.
Shekhar later felt that his younger son Adhyayan had been pushed aside during that difficult period.
Their relationship eventually became much better.
Together, they made Heartless as a tribute to Aayush.
Shekhar Suman said financial pressure from his son Aayush’s illness led him to accept films he considered poor choices.
Although his film career declined, television brought him a major opportunity in the sitcom Dekh Bhai Dekh.
He filmed the comedy while Aayush was seriously ill, saying he was constantly worried while trying to make audiences laugh.
Aayush died in 1995, and Shekhar said the loss affected his relationship with his younger son Adhyayan Suman.
Shekhar later directed and starred with Adhyayan in Heartless, describing the 2014 film as an ode to Aayush.
- Who
- Actor Shekhar Suman, his sons Aayush and Adhyayan Suman, and Shekhar’s wife.
- What
- Shekhar Suman recalled working through Aayush’s severe illness, the impact of Aayush’s death, and his later relationship with Adhyayan.
- When
- Aayush was seriously ill during Dekh Bhai Dekh’s run from 1993 to 1994; Aayush died in 1995, and Heartless was released in 2014.
- Where
- The account concerns Shekhar’s film and television work, including Dekh Bhai Dekh and Heartless.
- Why
- Shekhar said he continued working to earn money for Aayush’s medical bills while his wife cared for their son.
- Television show
- Dekh Bhai Dekh aired for 65 episodes from 1993 to 1994.
- Shekhar’s role
- He played Sameer Dewan in Dekh Bhai Dekh.
- Aayush’s death
- Shekhar said Aayush died in 1995.
- Younger son
- Adhyayan Suman was seven when his elder brother died and later became an actor.
- Heartless
- The 2014 medical thriller marked Shekhar’s directorial debut and was described as a tribute to Aayush.
- Current collaboration
- Adhyayan is directing Shekhar in the YouTube talk show Shekhar Tonite.
- Recent work cited
- Shekhar praised Adhyayan’s performances in Heartless, Aashram, and Heeramandi.