Mumbaj: Moving away from celebrity conversations, Shekhar Suman has introduced Shekhar Tonite Specials, a new Tuesday segment that puts the spotlight on everyday people and their untold stories. Leading the inaugural episode is Mumbai auto-rickshaw driver Sandeep Tiwari, who becomes the first common man to feature on the show.
Introducing Sandeep, Shekhar described an auto-rickshaw as a "mirror of society," saying it carries people from all walks of life, each with their own stories. He then asked the auto driver if he often listened to his passengers' conversations. Sandeep replied with a smile, "Agar hum kisi ki kahani sunte-sunte kuch bol dein, toh ulta woh hum par hi sawar ho jayenge ki tum rickshaw chala rahe ho ya hamari baatein sun rahe ho."
However, it was what he said next that became the highlight of the episode. Opening up about the realities of an auto driver's life, Sandeep said, "Hum bhale logon ko ghar pahunchate hain, par humein koi ghar nahin chhod sakta. Agar hum raste mein atak gaye, humein koi haath nahin de sakta. Logon ki problem hum suljha dete hain, lekin hamari problem suljhane wala koi nahin hota."
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Jul 8, 2026His heartfelt words left Shekhar Suman visibly moved as he highlighted the silent struggles of thousands of auto drivers and other working-class people who spend their lives helping others but often have no one to support them. Sandeep also spoke about the hardships faced by the common man and said that despite the challenges, he continues to hold on to hope.
"Bharosa to humein yahi hai ki achhe din aayenge. Kab aayenge, kahan se aayenge, humein nahin maloom," said Sandeep. To this, Shekhar Suman quipped, "Shayad woh raste ke gaddhon mein kahin phanse pade hain," using a poignant metaphor to highlight how ordinary people are still waiting for meaningful change.
He added that platforms like Shekhar Suman's show are important because they finally allow people like him to voice concerns that often go unheard. For someone who represents thousands of everyday workers, the opportunity to speak on global platform was about much more than personal recognition, it was a chance to speak for the common man.
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Jul 7, 2026Another touching moment came when Shekhar asked Sandeep about Simran, assuming she might have been a special person in his life. Instead, Sandeep revealed that he considers her his elder sister, 'Tai'. Their bond began when she booked his auto and gradually grew into one of trust and mutual respect.
Simran recalled an incident during Ganesh Chaturthi when a man repeatedly stared at her while she was travelling in Sandeep's auto. Before she could react, Sandeep confronted him, saying, "Rickshaw mein baithne wale sab hamare liye Bhagwan hain. Koi unhe galat nazar se dekhe, yeh humein bardaasht nahin."
She also shared that whenever she travels in "Tiwari Ki Sawari," Sandeep often stops to treat her to a glass of sugarcane juice and never charges her for it. Calling it "niswarth seva," Shekhar praised his selfless nature.
When asked if he would stand by Simran in times of danger, Sandeep replied, "Jab tak hum mein jaan hai... jaan bhi de denge." Moved by his words, Shekhar said that if more drivers were like Sandeep, women would never have to worry about travelling alone or returning home late, as they would know they were in safe hands.
By featuring Sandeep Tiwari as the first common man on his show, Shekhar Suman turned the spotlight away from celebrity glamour and towards the everyday heroes whose stories are rarely told. More than just an emotional interview, the episode became a reminder that sometimes the most powerful voices belong to ordinary people waiting for the chance to be heard.
Tune in to Shekhar Tonite to watch Sandeep Tiwari in an unfiltered conversation with Shekhar Suman, only on YouTube.
