Anang Desai on Shyam Benegal's demise: 'He was a very disciplined person and made the actors feel at ease' - Exclusive

Many actors and filmmakers are deeply saddened by the demise of veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal today ( December 23). He passed away at the age of 90 after a prolonged battle with a kidney-related illness. Actor Anang Desai, who worked with him on 'Bharat Ek Khoj' and 'Suraj Ka Satva Ghoda', shared his experience of working with him and how passionate Benegal was about the filmmaking process in an exclusive interview with Etimes.

"I first worked with him on ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’, and it was a wonderful experience. Then I did two films with him: ‘Suraj Ka Satva Ghoda’ and ‘Antarnaad'," he told Etimes.


While sharing his memories and thoughts about Benegal, Anang said, “He was a brilliant filmmaker, as we all know, with no doubt about it. As an actor's director, he guided the actors so well. It was a pleasure working with him, and I learned a lot."

He further added that the filmmaker made the actors feel at ease on his sets. "He was a very disciplined person; while we were working, everything was absolutely correct. He made the actors feel at ease, which is how he got the best out of each of us. Even during lunch breaks or otherwise, we had great conversations. He was a very knowledgeable person on a wide range of subjects, and there was always something to talk about with him during those off-shooting hours. His knowledge of films was extensive.”


Anang also shared how he created characters in his films with deep research: “I’m grateful that he cast me in ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’, where I played Raja Ram Mohan Roy. He was very meticulous about his casting, which is something I distinctly remember. Beyond his professional expertise, I recall him as a warm and gentle person from whom I learned a great deal.”

When asked if he noticed any habits of Benegal on set, he shared, “No, he was absolutely a very cool person on the sets and very clear about what he wanted from each shot and from each actor. I am really shocked by his passing. May his soul rest in peace. It has been wonderful knowing him, and learning from him has been a privilege.”