''I want to be seen' culture is a DISEASE': Shekhar Suman SLAMS Bollywood's PR culture and paparazzi obsession

Shekhar Suman, in a candid chat, fired back at Bollywood's growing PR culture, calling the obsession with visibility a dangerous trend holding young actors back. The veteran actor talked about actors paying paparazzi to be in the limelight. Let's delve deep into what he has to say.

Shekhar Suman talks about the rising PR culture

Shekhar Suman, in an interview with Mid-Day, pulled no punches when asked about the rising influence of public relations machinery in the Hindi film industry. He said, "This is not a healthy trend because it's just leading towards megalomania, which is leading towards obsession, which is not good for an actor."



He stated that 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."

The actor went on to add, "'I want to be seen' is a disease, an illness that is creeping in. So, they need to avoid that."

Shekhar Suman opens up about airport sightings

Addressing the now-common practice of actors calling paparazzi to airports and public venues, Shekhar Suman said, "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."

He further questioned where actors find the creative energy when so much of it is spent on appearances. He said, "If all your energy is just going to be there to be seen around and to wear the nicest clothes and be seen in big cars and be papped, then where would you have the energy, the concentration to become an actor?"

More about Shekhar Suman

On the work front, Shekhar Suman was last seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's web series 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar'. He will next feature in Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming action adventure, 'King'.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”