Shekhar SumanWith the return of Shekhar Tonite, a new interpretation of his classic Movers & Shakers has quickly become a hot topic in pop culture circles. While the show features celebrity interviews and current affairs coverage, it’s the opening monologue that garners the most attention, in which Suman provides his signature witty and incisive commentary on issues shaping the national conversation. In his most recent episode, he recounted the police crackdown on students protesting against education reforms at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar earlier this week.
Shekhar Suman says he just cried
The actor started the episode with a heavy heart, talking about the police crackdown, saying, “Before the show starts, I want to share something with you. What happened at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 20 was heartbreaking for those innocent, defenseless and helpless children. The way they were beaten with batons, so cruel, cruel and merciless, leaving them bleeding, shook me to my core. I haven’t slept in three days; I just cried. “He then pushed back against the crackdown, asking: “What’s wrong with those young, innocent children? They spoke out against injustice and oppression. They stood up for their rights, for their future, and even for the future of this country. They demanded a healthy education system. But instead of being listened to, they were accused and attacked.”“
Quotes from the Mahabharata by Shekhar Suman
Citing the Mahabharata as a metaphor, he added: “Even without Krishna, another Mahabharata is about to unfold. The throne will have to be challenged. Now that we have talked about the Mahabharata, let me remind you: the Mahabharata does not begin with Kurukshetra. It started the day Hastinapur stopped listening to the voices of its own youth. Because history happens precisely at the moment when those in power begin to believe that they no longer need to listen to other people’s opinions.“Suman continued his monologue, reflecting on how young voices have shaped power struggles throughout history. “The most fascinating thing about history is that those who are seen as insignificant are often the ones who shake the foundations of power. They are called unruly, anti-national, incompetent, but remember this: the more you try to suppress them, the more powerful they become. The more you reject them, the further they spread.” They survive not by power but by determination. He further said: “Revolutions are all the same. They were not born into Parliament. They were born into families where hard work was plentiful but opportunity was scarce. They were not born from the sword, but from humiliation. The day they were born, an entire generation said, “Enough.” No more. ‘”
Shekhar Suman supports Wangchuk’s hunger strike
Towards the end of his monologue, Suman revealed that he had hesitated to continue filming the episode amid the heated debate over student protests, but ultimately felt the show had no choice but to speak out. “But then I realized: This show is the voice of the people. In my first episode, I promised to give you an honest voice. My strength comes from you. Like I always say, the show must go on. So I decided to do this show. Let me promise you this: I will fight tooth and nail to stand with you in this fight. Welcome to Shekar tonight. “This is not the first time Suman has spoken on the issue. Just last week, he expressed support for education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In response to Wangchuck’s protest, Suman said: “For several days, social activist Sonam Wangchuck has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. I was surprised that no one else seemed surprised. One person is on a hunger strike, for the progress of the country and society, for the future of students, and to save the crumbling structure of our education system, while the system remains intact. This institution is not only silent, tone-deaf, and devoid of empathy, it is also mean-spirited, hard-hearted, and heartless. “
Bollywood joins Shekhar Suman in supporting students
In recent times, several names from the film industry, Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Varun Dhawan and Nasiruddin Shah Among other things, they expressed support for the protesting students and urged the government to sit down and discuss their demands.
