Divya Dutta is still grappling with the profound loss of Shyam Benegal, who passed away shortly after his 90th birthday celebration, which she attended with fellow luminaries such as Shabana Azmi. She reflects on the event as a moment of joy, with Shyam in excellent spirits, engaging warmly with guests. Now, Divya finds it difficult to accept that the esteemed filmmaker is no longer among them.

In a heartfelt interview with Hindustan Times, Divya reminisces about Shyam's enduring legacy, following his death on December 23.

On her last meeting with Shyam

Regarding her final encounter with Shyam Benegal, Divya last saw him during his 90th birthday festivities on December 14, which were graced by stars including Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Rajit Kapur, and Atul Tiwari.

“I have countless memories tied to Shyam sir, with the most recent being his 90th birthday,” Divya shares.

Reflecting on that last meeting, she states, “It was more than just a visit; it was about soaking in his presence, seeing him smile as he cut the cake. I remember telling him I would visit his office, and he invited me to come. He was genuinely delighted to meet everyone and take photographs. As he departed, he waved to all. Who could have anticipated that it would be the final farewell wave?”

Shyam, renowned for his numerous award-winning films such as Ankur, Bhumika, Manthan, and Nishant, had been battling chronic kidney disease before passing away in a Mumbai hospital.

On working with Shyam

On her experiences working with Shyam, Divya collaborated with him on five projects, including Welcome to Sajjanpur and Samvidhaan.

“I grew up admiring his films, starting with Mandi. It had long been my aspiration to work with him, which materialized when I first met him after Train to Pakistan. I could hardly gather the courage to say, ‘Sir, I wish to work with you.’ He replied, ‘Why don’t you come to the office tomorrow?’ I had no idea life could be that straightforward, as I was accustomed to being told, ‘We will see,’” Divya reminisces.

The actor revealed that he provided her with an opportunity to participate in a project. Following the casting process, he inquired if she was prepared to take part in a dance sequence. Divya choreographed and performed a folk song in Shyam Benegal's 1998 film, Samar.

“I was unaware of what awaited me. He entrusted me with the task of choreographing the entire dance sequence. On the first day, he encouraged me to engage with everyone, as I was quite reserved. He then invited me to cook alongside them... Before long, Seema Biswas became Seema Didi, and Rajit Kapoor was affectionately called Raju. I developed friendships with them, which positively influenced my collaboration. He employed remarkable techniques during our work together,” the actor reflects, adding, “He consistently motivated me to achieve my utmost potential.”

On a personal note, Divya recalls how he supported her during the difficult time of her mother’s passing. “He had a unique ability to smile through challenges. That is how I remember him, with a sparkle in his eyes,” she shares.

On Shyam’s legacy

Regarding Shyam’s legacy, his films were characterized by a blend of realism and social commentary, significantly contributing to the Indian parallel cinema movement during the 1970s and 1980s. He received numerous National Awards for films such as Bhumika: The Role (1977), Junoon (1978), Arohan (1982), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2004), Manthan (1976), and Well Done Abba (2010).

“He was a true visionary... I have never encountered a more knowledgeable individual. He exemplified how life should be lived. He gifted us exceptional cinema... Shyam babu will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts,” Divya admits.

“What he accomplished is unmatched in the way he reflected the realities of society... His legacy will endure through the cinema of Shyam Benegal,” Divya concludes.

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