Jawaharlal Nehru, Shyam Benegal and Indira Gandhi. Photo credit: THG/PTI
The demise of Indian parallel cinema legend Shyam Benegal is the end of an era. Known for his ability to weave extraordinary work with bitter social realism, Benegal’s career was deeply intertwined with the political and cultural fabric of India. His encounters with Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and the Indian political scene were influential in shaping his work.
Benegal often talked about his first meeting with Jawaharlal Nehru at a youth festival in the mid-1950s. The Prime Minister’s irresistible charm and connect with the youth left an impact on the young filmmaker. “He asked if he could join us at the lunch table,” Benegal said in an interview. unfiltered By Samdish. “His charm was undeniable. that’s why i made india a discoveryThis 53-episode series is based on Nehru discovery of indiaBecame a landmark television project exploring the rich history and mythology of India.
The filmmaker’s interactions with Nehru’s daughter, Indira Gandhi, appear to be more layered. While Benegal admired his keen aesthetic sense and support for the arts, he also saw the dark side of his political tenure during the Emergency (1975–77). Describing this period as “a terrible time”, he criticized the authoritarian environment and police brutality that curtailed freedoms.
Yet, during these tumultuous times, Indira Gandhi played an unexpected role in saving Benegal’s film NishantCriticizing feudalism against the Telangana rebellion, the film was banned by the Censor Board despite being India’s official entry at the Cannes Film Festival. After a private screening, Gandhi questioned the ban, saying it made the government appear “insensitive and petty”. His intervention ensured the film’s release, a crucial moment that preserved Benegal’s rising career.
Benegal also acknowledged his public struggles and loneliness in his childhood, which resulted from Nehru’s frequent absences due to imprisonment and political duties. “She was very shy,” he reflected, dismissing the derogatory label. dumb doll (Dumb Doll) is associated with his early political years.
The veteran filmmaker passed away on Monday (December 23, 2024) in Mumbai due to kidney-related ailments. He was 90 years old.
published – December 24, 2024 11:06 am IST
