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The winner of the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi for five times at a stretch, Shyam Benegal one of the greatest Filmmakers in Bollywood is known to create movies with a difference. Standing off the conventional tones, his movies are serious depiction of contemporary social and political issues that are matters of concern in the recent world. In making movies Shyam Benegal deals with a variety of topics, ranging from social problems, political turmoils, natural disasters to even glorious historical chronicles that are bound to interest the general populace.

Filmmaker Shyam Benegal started his life as an advertising copywriter in a Bombay Advertising Agency after graduation with Economics from Nizam College under Osmania University in Hyderabad. He soon felt the need to work on a creative platform in order to give his ideas a shape and started making documentary features in Gujarati with Ghar Betha Ganga (Ganges At The Doorsteps) being recognized as a premier quality work. After almost a decade Shyam made his first directorial debut with the Hindi feature film Ankur in 1973 that was an instant box office hit.
Soon the tal4ented young director set a record in making world class films one after the other.



Shyam Benegal`s talent for making exclusive films were recognized after the releases of Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976) and Bhumika (1977). All his works spoke of the twists and turns in the lives of middle class people struggling hard in this world that is running short of pure human values with each passing day. The truth that is evident in the life of Shyam Benegal- the filmmaker is, talent and flair for creation never go unnoticed- for his talents in making films with a difference in style were paid back with immense applause from millions nationwide.

The films like Nishant (Night`s End) and Manthan (Churning) upheld the socio-economic problems of India in an overall explicit yet touching style creating long lasting impressions on the minds of the audience. The film Bhumika starring Smita Patil upheld the facts about the life of a well known Marathi Stage actress Hansa Wadkar, who suddenly went on a journey, searching for her own identity for ultimate solace in the truth of ?the self?, leaving behind her life full of flamboyance and lust. Shyam Benegal`s films attempt to envision the universal picture of pristine humanity amidst all the worldly doldrums and misgivings and establishes it as the ultimate reason behind the existence of life.

Junoon and Kalyug were also two great works that indeed marked the coming of a new generation of Indian cinema. Shyam Benegal, earned the rightful place among the top filmmakers in Bollywood with his great work in Bose- The Forgotten Hero, where he showed the glorious life and struggles of the legendary Freedom Fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Shyam Benegal taught at the Film and Television Institute of India and is still in the look out for fresh talents in this novel field of self expression and artistry.

For more information on Shyam Benegal and related issues on the life and work of this great personality in Indian cinema please stay with us at Film Makers in Bollywood in sitagita.com.