Actor Karisma Kapoor says veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal was like a second grandfather to her and like her own grandfather, the late filmmaker Raj Kapoor, Benegal too was “truly groundbreaking”. Shyam Benegalthe pioneer of the parallel film movement in the 1970s and 1980s, died on December 23 due to chronic kidney disease. He was 90 years old.
A BTS still from the sets of the movie Zubeidaa
In an interview with us, Karisma Kapoor recalls her experience of working with Shyam Benegal in Zubeidaa (2001) and the filmmaker’s nuanced approach to storytelling. “Zubeidaa has been a highlight for me as an actor and as a person because it was so different from what I was doing at the time. Shyam ji understood that transition and always supported me,” she says, adding, “Shyamji’s films were about the truth – raw, unfiltered and deeply human. His commitment to authenticity, whether creating the world of Zubeidaa with real-life elements or delving into the emotional struggles of his characters, was inspiring.”
Karisma Kapoor pays tribute to Shyam Benegal
The 50-year-old added: “He had an incredible eye for detail and authenticity. For Zubeidaa, we wore real jewelry and costumes kindly lent by the royal family. It helped me fully step into the character’s world. Shyam ji’s guidance was gentle but profound. He shared insights about Zubeidaa’s motivations, which allowed me to understand her vulnerability and emotional depth. He was committed to telling her story authentically, and that inspired me to do my best for the role.
Speaking about Benegal as a pioneer in many ways, Kapoor says, “There were so many firsts with Shyam ji. Zubeidaa was the first Indian film to use synchronized sound, making the experience unique and authentic. In addition to its technical achievements, Zubeidaa resonates as a timeless story about love, dreams and longing.”
Karisma Kapoor pays tribute to Shyam Benegal
Talking about her personal relationship with Benegal, Kapoor says, “I fondly remember bonding with him through films, music and food. One moment that stands out is when he introduced me to ‘Khow suey’ (Burmese noodle soup) at his home. It was such a warm and memorable gesture that reflected his beautiful personality. Shyam ji was not just a visionary filmmaker. He was an extraordinary person.”
She says Benegal had the rare ability to bring out the best in his actors without overwhelming them. “His style was collaborative and nurturing. One piece of feedback from him that sticks out to me is when he said to me, ‘You are the queen of commercial cinema’, acknowledging my journey and encouraging me to embrace this very different role.”
Speaking about Benegal’s contribution to Indian cinema, Kapoor says that “it is immeasurable”. “He was a pioneer, always ahead of his time, and his work bridged the gap between art and mainstream cinema. His films explored complex themes of identity, societal limitations and human emotions in a way that was both accessible and thought-provoking,” she concludes.