Shyam Benegal was a top Indian filmmaker. The 90-year-old filmmaker died in December, leaving a legacy. Shyam Benegal won national awards for Manthan, Nishant, Ankur, and Bhumika.
Mandi (1983) was the director’s favorite to shoot. It starred Shabana Azmi, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Smita Patil and was a box office hit. (See: Shyam Benegal, director of Nishant and Manthan, dies at 90)
Shyam Benegal discussed shooting Mandi in an Unfiltered with Samdish interview in November 2024. “I made films I wanted. I never imagined doing something I wanted to see in theater for 100 weeks. Several years ago, my film Mandi was nominated for a silver jubilee. Cinema used to be next door. Making the film was fun for everyone. All my favorite actors were in that film. Amrish, Om, Naseeruddin, Shabana, and Smita were there. I shot that in Hyderabad.”
He added, “It is funny because we were shooting without thinking. It continued alone. These wonderful actors kept it going once you started. The improvisation was amazing. I planned a 45-day schedule, as I typically shoot without breaks, but we completed the film in 28 days. After finishing the last shot, I asked, “No more?” Finished? Wow, terrible!”
Ghulam Abbas’ Urdu short story Aanandi inspired Mandi. Rukmini Bai (Shabana Azmi) ran a brothel. Some politicians vouch for its prime location in the city center. Winner of National Best Art Direction Award.
