Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal, at the age of 89, continues to pursue his passion for making movies. With a career spanning 60 years, Benegal has directed numerous National Award-winning feature films, documentaries, and short films.
Renowned Filmmaker Shyam Benegal's Enduring Passion for Cinema
( Credit to: Timesofindia )
Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal, at the age of 89, continues to pursue his passion for making movies. With a career spanning 60 years, Benegal has directed numerous National Award-winning feature films, documentaries, and short films. Despite his age, Benegal remains enthusiastic about filmmaking, stating, 'As long as I have strength in my limbs and my mind is working, I would like to make movies.'
( Credit to: Timesofindia )
Throughout his career, Benegal has received numerous accolades, including National Awards and titles like Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. Reflecting on these achievements, he expresses his thrill and gratitude for the recognition. However, he emphasizes that different stages of his career have different priorities. As he has grown older, his focus has shifted towards making films that satisfy him personally. While these films may not please everyone, the fulfillment he experiences is paramount.
Benegal's filmography includes socially relevant films such as 'Ankur,' 'Manthan,' 'Zubeidaa,' and 'Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero.' Despite their significance, some of these films did not receive the attention he had hoped for. Nevertheless, Benegal remains undeterred, stating, 'I haven't made any films that I did not enjoy making. Those films may have collapsed and disappeared, but that didn't make any difference to me.' He values the filmmaking experience itself and does not let the success or failure of a film affect his passion for the craft.
For Benegal, films extend beyond mere entertainment. He believes in the inseparable connection between individual stories and their sociological circumstances. Removing this connection would be a disservice to the subject matter. Films, according to Benegal, are not just one-dimensional posters; they are intertwined with historical context and have connections to the past, present, and future. It is this holistic approach that brings a film to life.
Shyam Benegal's dedication to filmmaking and his commitment to socially relevant storytelling have made him a prominent figure in the Indian film industry. As he continues to pursue his passion, audiences can expect thought-provoking and impactful films from this legendary director.