- Monday, December 16, 2024
Known for his realism and social commentary, Benegal broke away from the conventions of mainstream Indian cinema during the 1970s and 1980s
By: India Weekly
VETERAN filmmaker Shyam Benegal, known for shaping Indian parallel cinema, turned 90 on Saturday.
Despite the milestone, Benegal described it as “just another day,” spent with his team at the office. “We all grow old. I don’t do anything great (on my birthday). It may be a special day, but I don’t celebrate it specifically. I cut a cake at the office with my team,” Benegal told PTI.
Benegal’s contribution to cinema includes landmark films such as “Ankur”, “Nishant”, “Manthan”, “Bhumika”, “Junoon”, and “Mandi”. Known for his realism and social commentary, he broke away from the conventions of mainstream Indian cinema during the 1970s and 1980s.
Despite undergoing dialysis three times a week, Benegal remains committed to his craft, currently working on multiple film projects.
“I’m working on two to three projects; they are all different from one another. It’s difficult to say which one I will make. They are all for the big screen,” he said.
His latest release was Mujib: The Making of a Nation in 2023, a biographical film.
December 14 also marked the 100th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor, a celebrated actor and filmmaker.
“He was a brilliant actor; he had a fine mind. I’ve seen his films; I liked Shree 420,” Benegal shared, revealing that the two had once discussed a potential collaboration.
To commemorate Kapoor’s centenary, the Kapoor family launched the RK Film Festival, showcasing 10 of his films in 40 cities across select theatres.
