Raywas a master of cinematic language'

'Raywas a master of cinematic language'

by Suman Gupta 

Renowned FilmmakerShyam Benegal spoke about his film journey and the greatest influenceon his life

Mumbai, August 19,2016: Calling Satyajit Ray the biggest influence on his life, veteranfilm maker Shyam Benegal told an audience of young students learning filmmaking, media andcommunications that they need to be inspired to be creative and inabsence of inspiration, all cinematic work is nothing but a piece offurniture!

Mr Benegal was speakingto the students of K C collegeand shared several anecdotes of his vast filmmaking career. "Cinemais an urban medium. Indian films are unique in its presentation interms of dialogue, songs and dances, while the West always hadvisual aspect of storytelling," he explained.

Admitting that heusually get bored with mainstream films that are obvious in theirstorytelling format, Benegal told the students that he is notessentially a sentimental person. "I hate sentimental films! Ican watch mainstream movies for some reasons - like A R Rahman'smusic or Remo's choreography, but this boring, obvious format doesnot have any intellectual orientation for me," he added.

Known for his strongfemale leads in Ankur, Bhumika, Mandiand Nishant, Benegaladmitted that female centric films are much more appealing to him."In the Indian context, the woman brings stability stability tothe family and society, something I have seen in my own family."

Recalling the hugeimpact Pather Panchalimade on him, Benegal, who has made an acclaimed documentary onSatyajit Ray, told the film students how he saw three back to backshows of the Ray classic and immediately wanted to meet the master."A friend arranged the meeting and Ray graciously agreed. Webegan talking at 2.30 pm and the conversation went on for 7 hours!Around 8:30 pm, Ray's wife even inquired whether I was staying fordinner! Well, I did not and left by 9:30 pm. Ray was so patient to astudent like me and answered all my questions," he remembered.

But wasn't Ray famouslyknown to be impatient? "Yes, he was, especially for his fellowCalcutta filmmakers. Mrinal Sen would call him stuck up man and Rayonce asked me: Mrinal Sen makes movies, huh?!," Benegalrecalled.

Asked whether Raywatched any of his movies, Benegal told the students the amazingfeedback Ray gave him after watching Ankurduring his stay in Mumbai. "Ray told menot to use quadrangles in dramatic stories, triangles make for moredrama!" he quipped.