Shyam Benegal's legacy
THE WEEK India|January 05, 2025
I was informed about Shyam Benegal's death in a setting straight out of one of his films. At the time, the news was not public, but I believed it...because it is most inelegant and shockingly crass to "gossip" about death.
SHOBHAA DE
Shyam Benegal's legacy

Shyam and his most wonderful wife, Nira, would have disapproved! But gently. They were not strident folks. Their views and vision were anything but crass, while being forceful and determined. This is what set them apart in a business dominated by hustlers looking for the next deal.

Shyam didn't have to hustle-the deals he deemed worthy of his time, talent and knowledge base, came to him.

That is true power.

Discretion, and a certain required distance from the film mob, ensured Shyam a high level of respect from contemporaries who recognised his vision and wanted to be a part of it. Being cast in Shyam's film was an award in itself. Because, nothing Shyam did, was without thought.

Shyam's films reflected his concerns and encapsulated his cinematic ambitions.

This story is from the January 05, 2025 edition of THE WEEK India.

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This story is from the January 05, 2025 edition of THE WEEK India.

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