Shyam Benegal: Filmmakers can’t be propagandists

Shyaam Bengal. Pic/Shadab Khan

Legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, 87, has completed the shoot of his next Mujib: The Making of a Nation, based on the life of Mujibur Rahman, the first President of Bangladesh. Benegal gets in conversation about how he pulled off the shoot in between the pandemic, growth of parallel cinema, the importance of films based on history in todays day and age, how he keeps fit and much more.

When and why did you decide to make a biopic on Mujibur Rahman, the first President of Bangladesh. What to you made him such a compelling figure? Was it something you had been planning over the years?
The film came out of a cultural treaty between India and Bangladesh. A feature film on Mujibur Rahman was to be made and I was suggested as a possible name as director. I was asked and I said yes! He is such a fascinating figure who created a nation and I wouldn't want to miss the opportunity! Initially I planned to make the film in Hindustani and Urdu, the languages of Bangladesh when they were part of Pakistan. Bangladeshis are a large diaspora, so we then planned to make the film in English to reach foreign audiences. Finally, I decided the film had to be made in Bengali and though I'm not fluent in the language, I had a team to help me. It was a happy experience and the dialogues came from Bangladesh since it's a co-production.

Did you travel to Bangladesh, and how did you complete the film in between the pandemic? How did Arifin Shuvoo come on board as the lead?
I preferred that all my actors come from Bangladesh too and that's how we got Arifin Shuvoo. We shot the film in Bangladesh and India, it was touch and go, we took a chance. We got as many people as possible vaccinated and the production in charges were called Covid Martials. Our cast members at times were 500-1000 people, including junior artistes. I made a decision to go ahead with the shoot and I'm glad I did because we had the first, second and now third wave…the film would never have been made, had we waited! Flights had stopped in between and we were given a special plane Biman, by the Bangladeshi government, organised by their Prime minister for the film's team to fly from Mumbai to Dhaka. We also had a major set in Mumbai. The film is now complete, we are in post-production.

How have things changed between India and Bangladesh since the latter's formation and current times?
They have always treated us excellently but we may not have always treated them well. Many had to return to Bangladesh but they are now rehabilitated and things are better.
You are considered as the father of parallel cinema that has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Has OTT and social media changed the way films are made and consumed?
We will have to make use of every single avenue available. OTT and TV have grown over the past few years, particularly OTT. Cinema's popularity has reduced a bit.

At a time when history is being distorted by Whatsapp forwards and other mediums, how significant are films on history?
It's important to be as accurate as possible and not fall into the political trap. Filmmakers can't be propagandists. These films will be documented in history.

At 87- how easy or not is it to direct a film as compared to when you were younger?
I try and keep myself fit, so that my mind works. I do ordinary things like sleep well and avoid eating what I am not supposed to. I'm reasonably healthy.

Have you started working on your next?
I have a lot of ideas but I want Mujib: The Making of a Nation, to release first before getting on another project.

What would Shyam Benegal want to be remembered for?
I've lived a fairly full life and seen the impact and even lack of impact of certain films. The expectation is to do things to the best of your ability.