'Shyam Benegal thought of cinema as art, not as an industry'

Veteran actor Mohan Agashe, who worked with Shyam Benegal on Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976) and Bhumika (1977), shares his thoughts on the legendary filmmaker

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Shyam Benegal was truly a trendsetter for the parallel cinema movement in the country. He gave breaks to many new actors, who went on to become towering figures in the industry, such as Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi. He was always at ease on set and cared well for his cast and crew. He had a soft-spoken demeanor and never showed any tantrums while working. This is a difficult time for everyone who has collaborated with him in the past.