The world he made

Jasmine Singh

They’ve come back with stories — of commitment, of dedication, a dream coming true, of a life changing experience. For a long time, they would be talking about ‘the time’, and it is quite possible that they end up comparing the oh-so-great moments with whatever comes next.

Some leading actors from the Tricity and Punjab are back from the shoot of Shyam Benegal’s directed Jang-E-Azadi. It was new and an all-together professionally different experience for them. Here, they talk about it at length:

Negative debut

Kuljinder Sidhu

He is the Sadda Haq star of Punjabi cinema, the one who likes to experiment with his roles and wouldn’t think twice before being part of a project that has something substantial to offer, irrespective of the length of his role. In Jang-E-Azadi, he plays a negative character, Mahant Narayan Das. But, it is the great director, Shyam Benegal, whom chooses to talk about first: “He is one director who makes no changes on the sets; he is focused and goes completely by the script. His way of working is always pre-planned,” shares Sidhu, who is doing a negative role for the first time. This, however, is immaterial in his case: “As an actor, I always look forward to roles that I can experiment with. It doesn’t matter if they’re positive or negative, as long as I am acting.” What also amazes Sidhu is the efficiency and energy of Shyam Benegal. “At 80, he is like a houseful of energy, running around, absolutely into his work,” he says.

Professional much

Suvinder Vikky

He had read about Shyam Benegal in his course books: “Now, I have worked with him; it’s like a dream come true,” says Suvinder who, passed out from the Department of Theatre and Television, Punjabi University, Patiala. Suvinder smiles, as he talks about his first meeting with the director. “I didn’t know anyone on the sets. So, when someone introduced me to Shyam Benegal, the first thing he asked was, Aapko apni lines yaad hain?, to which I replied, ‘Yes sir’, and it was on!” Suvinder is the lead actor of the Punjabi film, The Fourth Direction, which has been selected to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival this year. This moment, however, belongs to Jang-E-Azadi. “I play Bhai Lachman Singh in the film, and it goes without saying that I had an opportunity to work in a thoroughly professional set-up, something that has left good memories with me.”

Calm demeanor

Narinder Nina

This theatre artiste and actor from Mohali has worked with stars like Amitabh Bachchan (Shoebite), Manoj Bajpayee , Katrina Kaif (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan), Ajay Devgn (Son of Sardaar) about 15 Punjabi films. But, when it comes to Shyam Benegal: “The buck stops here,” Narinder is quick to add. Narinder plays Maharaja Sher Singh in Jang-E-Azadi, a role and experience that has left a mark on him as an actor. “Shyam Benegal is a stalwart, a director so humble despite his popularity,” adds Narinder who is also a martial artist. For all the days that Narinder shot for his role, he felt a strange sense of calmness. “One is bound to be either scared or over-excited while working with this kind of a director. But with Shyam ji around, everything just flows. Everyone on the sets was comfortable,” adds he, brings out an observation about Shyam Benegal. “He doesn’t keep peeing into the monitor; he looks into the camera and sets his angle, only when the final shot is ready, he would see he monitor and ‘okay’ it.”

Dream come true

Amrit pal Billa

Amrit Pal Singh knows that Shyam Benegal is called an institution, and today he knows why! “He is professional to the T; everything about his functioning, his focus, the way he directs a shot, can amaze any artist,” states Amritpal, who has worked in Punjabi films like Jatt & Juliet, Sadda Haq and Sirphire. He is, however, quick to add: “I was super excited; was dying to work with him! Now, I have.”

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