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Veteran film maestro Shyam Benegal, who will be honoured with
the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his outstanding contribution in the
field of Indian cinema, is elated and says it inspires him to make
the kind of films he believes in. "I am very happy! It is the
Indian film industry's highest honour and the most important
award, which means state recognition," Benegal told IANS Wednesday
on the sidelines of 'Vatarvaran', an environment and wildlife
film festival by the Centre for Media Studies here.
"However, I will continue making films. I wouldn't think that I
have won all the laurels and thus it's time for me to stop," he
told reporters.
Benegal, who has created masterpieces like "Ankur", "Nishant",
"Manthan" and "Bhumika", couldn't taste commercial success but
says his cinematic journey has been satisfactory.
"Yes, I have not given many commercial hits... may be the kind of
subjects I picked up were not meant to be popular. But I am not
unhappy with the kind of work I have done.
"My journey has been wonderful! It has been eventful, full of highs
and lows but that's how it has to be. It is a process and you must
enjoy it!"
However, the renowned director candidly accepts that he also wants
his films to churn out huge box-office collections.
"Every director wants his film to be a big box-office success. Who
doesn't want to make a hit film? But there is no formula to make a
blockbuster film. Life is all about taking risks," he remarked.
About the USP of his films, he said: "I don't think there has been
any USP of my films and if there is then I don't know what it is.
I like making films which I enjoy myself. Whatever I experience
while making a film, I want to offer the same to audiences. I also
want them to enjoy it."
Through his films the director has given a kaleidoscopic view of
the socio-cultural changes in the Indian society. He believes that
making films on socially relevant issues is not a thing of the
past.
"Even today young directors are making films on socially relevant
subjects. They are meant for the young generation and are
influenced by the way they think," he said.
Versatile actors like Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi
started their career with Benegal and have earned global
recognition. But the humble director takes no credit for their
success.
"I have been lucky to work with such talented people. Getting a
chance to work with them were historical accidents."
Currently, Benegal is busy with his next project that will have
Amrita Rao and Shreyas Talpade playing main leads. He says he is
lucky that he got a chance to work with these talented youngsters
too.
Indo-Asian News Service
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