There was a time in the late 1990s and early 2000s when Indian television had only one man who could make politicians nervous, film stars uncomfortable and viewers laugh at the same time. That man was Shekhar Suman.
His hit talk show ‘Movers & Shakers’ arrived when television was still learning to loosen its tie. Armed with sarcasm, mimicry and a mischievous smile, he was our answer to Jay Leno and David Letterman. Long before social media discovered outrage and trolling, Shekhar was cheerfully poking fun at celebrities, politicians and current affairs on prime time television.
I knew him well in those days and interviewed him more than once. I particularly remember a dinner conversation in which every answer somehow turned into a joke about food and eating. Off-camera, he was as quick-witted as he was on television.
Then television changed. Channels multiplied. News anchors became performers. Performers became influencers. Influencers became podcasters. Everybody acquired a microphone and a platform. And now, after 14 years away from the host’s chair, Shekhar is back with ‘Shekhar Tonite’ on YouTube.
I find that fascinating. The man who once helped define television is returning through a medium that barely existed when ‘Movers & Shakers’ was at its peak. Perhaps that says as much about how entertainment has changed as it does about Shekhar himself.
The audience is younger now. Attention spans are shorter. Every remark is instantly clipped, shared and dissected online. Earlier, he was the disruptor. Today, he returns as the veteran. Yet sharp wit rarely goes out of fashion. The real question is whether the original mover still has enough shake left in him.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
About Story of Souls
Leave your comments on how you like this story. If you love it, share it to bring that change we wish to see in the world.
You can also share your inspiring story with us at submitstories.storyofsouls@gmail.com. Story of Souls is an initiative where we invite people to bring their stories to us. We want people to “write to heal.” The idea of Storyofsouls is appreciated by ALL INDIA RADIO. An Online Platform where you can share your real-life stories. The impact of our stories has reached the UN and Harvard University. For some real-life stories, web series are also planned. You can also visit our YouTube channel. You can follow us on Facebook LinkedIn Instagram.
Storyofsouls is glad to inform you that we are now a Google News-verified platform.
We are proud to inform you all that storyofsouls.com is the official TEDx MotiJheel Kanpur Partner for their upcoming event.
