Who Was Shyam Benegal as a Person?

How did he think? What was his style of working? And how did his worldview shape not just his films, but also the people around him?

Shyam Benegal wasn’t just a filmmaker—he was a visionary who reshaped Indian cinema. His influence extended beyond his own films, shaping generations of storytellers, including his nephew, Dev Benegal—an award-winning filmmaker who carved his own path while carrying forward the spirit of fearless, independent storytelling.

In this fascinating conversation, Suchita digs deep with Dev Benegal, exploring his cinematic journey—one that collided with legends, challenged conventions, and uncovered the truths of filmmaking. From the importance of scripts to finding your unique voice, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

🎬 Did you know?

• Bong Joon-ho watches a film a day.
• Werner Herzog watches just 3-4 films a year.

Does watching too many films dilute your voice, or does it sharpen your vision?

And then there’s the question of scripts. If movies are ultimately made on the editing table, should scripts ever be considered final? Should filmmakers abandon audience testing in pursuit of raw, unfiltered storytelling?

Mira Nair once said, "Every morning you wake up, it’s like going to war." Because filmmaking is both a battle and a revelation.

🚗 ROAD, MOVIE is getting re-released in theatres—a reminder of cinema’s power to transport, to distill details into density.

This, and much more—filmmaking lessons, life insights, and untold stories—with Dev Benegal.

📍 Find him at devbenegal.com.

 

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DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

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Kant, Hegel, Kafka and Freud- Do we need to understand these philosophers before interpreting David Lynch? How did he manage to get into your subconscious mind and get you inside the storytelling? Trying to know him better through his films and also then understanding how his meditations would have worked for him tapping into his subconscious mind.
From Eraser head to Dune- AND GIVE DUNE ANOTHER CHANCE- according to our guest Todd Mcgowan- a Scholar, professor of Film and Theory and author of The impossible David Lynch! 
1) Removing the wall.
2) Which film best describes this?
3) a director between mainstream and indie cinema.
4) From Eraser head to Blue Velvet to Dune to Muhlloland Drive. 
5) Wild at heart- BEING MOST MAINSTREAM- and why? 
6) Godard vs Lynch 
7)fantasy and desire themes and their continums
8)Realization of Henry's fantasy in Eraserhead!
9)Dune- 42 million- hollywood film- was it too challenging for the audience?
10) Kant, Hegel and Freud!

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DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

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Happy New Year to our wonderful listeners!

What is the future of AI and creators, new revenue share models for filmmakers, OTT party, global or local content, the future etc.

Our guests are Sunil Nair and Vivek Lath.

Sunil Nair is a dynamic operations and technology leader with over two decades of experience spanning digital media, live commerce, and mobile advertising. He is currently the Co-Founder of Mela Platforms, where he drives innovation in video commerce by connecting brands with e-commerce platforms through cutting-edge content and technology solutions.
Vivek Lath is a seasoned entrepreneur - with a notable career spanning over two decades, marked by innovation, strategic acumen, and resilience. As Founder and Managing Director of Go Quest media, he has led the company to specialize in monetizing entertainment IP, including licensing content to TV channels and streaming platforms across -the globe.



Digs:
1) Significant changes in the content market- post co vid.
2) ATF and challenges - downward cycle of content licensing
3) 41 percent of global advertising money is with Meta, Google.
4) Revenue share models are good and can be the future- like Amazon video direct.
5)OTT party?
6)E commerce and Ai models- rights getting redefined/ arbitrage model.
7)definition of good content- with new AI models.
8) Does audience testing work in a fragmented market?
9)why do women love kabir singh or arjun reddy?
10) global or local
11) predicting the future of content and Ai.
12) the person sitting across the desk- should know the market, understand market, know how to make money... monetization..

Follow @THE.ARTISTSPODCAST for insights!

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DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

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What trends will define moviemaking and content creation in 2025? How will AI shape the culture of filmmaking and creators' work? What should filmmakers focus on to stay ahead, monetize effectively, and tap into new opportunities? Is the revenue share model here to stay?

We’ll explore the rising role of small and medium-budget films, the future of indie cinema post-global breakthroughs like All We Imagine as Light, and the evolving relevance of theater in a digital-first world.

Get ready for a deep dive into these questions and more with industry analyst Karan Taurani on The Artists Podcast with Suchita.

Stay tuned for insights that will shape the future of storytelling And your decision making as a creator!

Digs:

1) Supply is a huge challenge1 But why? footfalls and boxoffice!
2) Do we need to start thinking about content in any other way
3) Balance between high and small, medium budget films
4) The OTT party
5) Balancing the release of a big budget and a small indie- Pushpa Vs All we imagine as Light

Follow @THE.ARTISTSPODCAST for insights!

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You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia,

For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

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How can you design your life as an Artist, where you focus on important things rather than mundane? How can you design in a way that will get you out of survival instincts and make you more productive in terms of enhancing yourself daily?

How do you define yourself as a storyteller and an Artist?

We ask this to our guest Danish Husain, a prominent theatre director, playwright, poet and a performer.

1) What should be the MINDSET of an Artist?
2) ALIGNING the audience to you!
3) ENHANCING the tools in your repertoire.
4)Compel to make CHOICES out of the comfort zone
5) Art should enrich and also have a commercial aspect.
6) All great stories become the audiences stories
7) Its always Day 1.

Get enlightened- and Enjoy.

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For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

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Niren Bhatt needs no intro. A very successful writer with a range of box office hits from Stree 2, which did 400 cr. plus business, to another hit of the year Munjya. You can google Niren Bhatt and see his writing across genres, many of which you would have heard or seen.

But, more than the box office figures what is interesting to know is how does Niren Bhatt think? Because writing is a thinking process- and the way you think is the way you will structure, the way you will choose the right elements for your story, the right scene perspective, and the way to move the audience; in his case SWAY THE AUDIENCE.

Suchita digs Niren on multiple levels, and you can't miss the humour and get swayed.

1) Writing across genres.
2) Writing is a thinking process- HOW DO YOU THINK?
3) Maslow's hierarchy and the intent of self- actualization!
4) The detailed Writing process- which has to be fulfilling.
5) The Syd Fields, The Robert Mckees- And the template of screen writing?
6) From playwriting to ScriptWriting.
7) Advice from Gulzar Saab.
8) WRITER'S BLOCK- is fictional!
10)First Draft - VOMIT DRAFT to 15- 16th Final Draft.
11) SCRIPT LITERACY AND BOUNCING BOARDS- Who are you sharing your scripts with, to read- VERY IMP.
12) The rejections, traumas, imposter syndromes.
13) Importance of a DREAM PRODUCER-
14) Market research/ Algorithms- Analysis is a double edged sword?
15) What is it that your producers of Stree 2 and Munjya are DOING RIGHT?
16) The analysis of the elements of genre.
17) PLS DO NOT ASK FOR SO MANY NARRATIONS AND THEN REJECT C, TRAUMAS, MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES


Knowing the INTENT and purpose of what ever work you are doing, will drive it in the right direction- in this case MASLOW'S HIERARCHY OF SELF- ACTUALIZATION ! And, the moment you know this- you will set a clear direction for your life and your values, your purpose- which is all interlinked with the kind of work you want to do!! Great takeaway.

Reflect and Enjoy!

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DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

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A Complicated Passion: The Life and Work of Agnès Varda, is the book by award- winning film critic Carrie Rickey.


Rickey traces Varda’s three remarkable careers—as still photographer, as filmmaker, and as installation artist. She explains how Varda was a pioneer in blurring the lines between documentary and fiction, using the latest digital technology and carving a path for women in the movie industry. She demonstrates how Varda was years ahead of her time in addressing sexism, abortion, labor exploitation, immigrant rights, and race relations with candor and incisiveness. She makes clear Varda’s impact on contemporary figures like Ava DuVernay, Greta Gerwig, Barry Jenkins, the Safdie brothers, and Martin Scorsese, who called her one of the Gods of cinema. And she delves into Varda’s incredibly rich social life with figures such as Harrison Ford, Jean-Luc Godard, Jim Morrison, Susan Sontag, and Andy Warhol, and her nearly forty-year marriage to the celebrated director Jacques Demy.

Suchita talks to Carrie about this most important book on Agnes Varda who defined the French New Wave, inspired an entire generation of filmmakers, and was recognized with major awards at the Cannes, Berlin, and Venice Film Festivals, as well as an honorary Oscar at the Academy Awards.

Digs:

1) Varda and her relationships with other Artists. She got to the essence very fast. Her ability to connect with people as a photographer and storyteller was immemse.

2) Transforming from still image to moving pictures to 3 dimensional spaces- almost like a 3 Act of life!!

3) The approach as a filmmaker that was so distinct from her director husband Demy. Her approach was to discover deeper aspects of things.

4) Varda started making movies without knowing anything about movies- without having even have watched many films- and so she found her own language, her own grammar.

5) Opening up to arts, creativity and filmmaking to create a new syntax.

6) Truffaut's non acceptance of Varda as a director and his reviews in Cahiers du cinema.

7) A very imporant difference between the French and the American studios financing movies-

8) How photography taught her to capture the decisive moment!

9) 1958 when her film got into the Cannes festival was she accepted into the community of french filmmakers and new wave filmmakers?

10) The long marriage to another brilliant filmmaker Demy

11) Varda's relationship with Jim Morrison and his death- and how his funeral was for less than 8 minutes!

12) Varda with Warhol, Susan Sontag, Truffaut.

13) Scorses's immense admiration for Varda.


Enjoy this longish episode, and check out the book that is out now !!

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DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

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What is considered a good film in today's over saturated content market ?
I saw a post by a film critic on 47 Indian language films getting released in a day and how is that justifying the audience going and watching the films.

And that became the germ of this episode-
Our guest for today is the CEO of distribution and film services vertical at the UFO MOVIEZ , Mr. Pankaj Jaysinh.

He has worked closely with the distribution department of Warner bros, Columbia Tri-Star and Sony pictures.

Some revelations:

1) Do people go and watch films because they are good? Do we want to see good story telling or we want other cherries with it?

2) Everyone is here to make monies -so a good film , smaller films gets picked up
Every movie small or big has a space.

4)Has the definition of a good film changed?

5)distribution is getting more and more professional dynamic and hands on

And the road maps that small filmmakers and small films should know before they embark on their journey.

TUNE IN NOW!

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You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia,

For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH:

We have not been taught to understand our Mental Health- We donot know what depression feels like. We do not understand loneliness, although it is already an epidemic!!

Ira khan our guest for today is the founder of Mental health centred organisation, driven by a community model- AGATSU Foundation; It has weekly activities related to mental health talks, plays, and much more.

One can just go hang there- and even make your own coffee- feel at home - interact with people and also consult a therapist if you need to talk about your emotions and feelings-How liberating can that be!!


chk out agatsufoundation.org for more details on community activities

THIS IS A CROSS-OVERED EPISODE FOR BOTH OUR LISTENERS OF THE SOS SHOW AND THE ARTISTS.

Please connect with us at Metaphysicallab, Suchita.

You can also join our insta handle- the.artistspodcast

Email id: [email protected]/ 

You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia,

For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

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160 greatest Artists daily routines is condensed in this fantastic book by Mason Currey.

In this snacky episode of THE ARTISTS PODCAST, Suchita extracts some of the rituals of her favourite artists- Fellini, Chopin, Picasso, Tesla, Benjamin Franklin, Woody Allen, David Lynch, Maya Angelou, Freud..

Hopefully this will inspire all you guys to identify and sculpt you routines.

Please connect with us at Metaphysicallab, Suchita.

You can also join our insta handle- the.artistspodcast

Email id: [email protected]/ 

You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia,

For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.