'I cherish my London trip with Shyam sir'

Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 26, 2024)

Actor Boman Irani feels that some of his life's fondest memories have been with filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who died on Monday at the age of 90. The two had collaborated on the film Well Done Abba in 2009.

“I have never left a film set in my life sobbing. I did, from this one (Well Done Abba), shamelessly. I knew I would never get this experience again,” the 65-year-old shared, adding, “[Through this project] I found a wonderful man who was one of the greatest conversationalists that I know. I am not even exaggerating! From a mere design on a tile, he can tell you where the tile originated from. He could talk about it at length. The knowledge that man had was beyond ordinary. He can make his actors feel special.”

Well Done Abba had made rounds at several film festivals, and one of them took place in London. Irani reveals that he made sure to travel with Benegal for it: “The festival had offered only one ticket for him because he was the director. But I wanted to come along and be on the same flight. I remember we sat together and later, roaming around London like two kids. I cherish my London trip with Shyam sir.”

Recounting their last meeting, the actor continues, “The last time I met him was at a wedding. He scolded me, 'Where the hell is the script you've been writing?' He had one of the sweetest chuckles a grown man could have.”