Filmmaker Shyam Benegal, highly celebrated as a pioneer of parallel cinema who revolutionized Indian cinema with his unique storytelling that remains etched in Indian film industry. Known for classics like Ankur (1973), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), Zubeidaa (2001) and more, he left an indelible mark on the industry. The legendary filmmaker passed away on December 23, 2024 at the age of 90, due to chronic kidney disease. As the nation mourns his loss, we look back at one of his most insightful interviews where he shared his thoughts on the technical side of filmmaking, specifically using sync sound in Indian cinema and its importance in filmmaking.
In a throwback interview with Lehren, the seven-time National award-winning filmmaker Shyam Benegal explained why he always used sync sound in his films. He said, “I started using sync sound with my very first film Ankur. It makes the performance more natural and real.” He believed that sync sound brought discipline to the craft and helped actors perform better.
When asked if sync sound made acting harder, he disagreed. He explained that acting is a complete process where expressions, voice and gestures all work together. “A good actor delivers everything at once dialogue, emotions and gestures. Splitting visuals and audio doesn’t make sense,” he said. Mr Benegal felt that sync sound captures the true essence of acting. He said, “Actors need to perform fully, not partially. Unless it’s a noisy location, most films should use sync sound.” Further he also pointed out the importance of having skilled sound recordists, saying that sound is just as important as visuals in making a good film.
To know about this rare conversation in detail, catch the full interview below:
Shyam Benegal wasn’t just a storyteller – he was a filmmaker who cared deeply about the craft. His ideas like using sync sound, helped raise the quality of Indian cinema. As we remember his life and work, his dedication to authenticity and excellence continues to inspire filmmakers everywhere.
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