Captivated by strength and complexity of Smita Patil

At the screening of Smita Patil’s much acclaimed film ‘Bhumika’, Shyam Benegal recounted the difficulty the film faced before its release and the versatility of the actress

“Smita Patil was all of 20 years when she portrayed this character,” said stalwart of Indian cinema Shyam Benegal, after the screening of ‘Bhumika’ as a part of the Nandi Foundation’s Smita Patil Retrospective at LV Prasad preview theatre in Banjara Hills on Tuesday.

Recounting the difficulty faced by the film, he said, “It was hard. I remember how producers wouldn’t fund it and after it received the funding from the Bijlanis, it was difficult to get distributers. Finally, it was released in Ahmedabad and much to the surprise of everyone; it ran for a successful 25-weeks period.”

The screening of Bhumika was followed by a discussion between Shyam Benegal and Nagesh Kukunoor on "Smita and women in Hindi cinema" which was attended by many girls who have been part of the Project Nanhi Kali.The movie is appreciated for Smita Patil’s award-winning performance and complex persona, which she enacts effortlessly.

Renowned filmmaker, Nagesh Kukunoor, also present at the screening, was quite astounded with the complexity of the character and the ease with which Smita portrayed the role. “This movie was much ahead of its time,” he said. Actress Shriya Saran, captivated with Smita’s strength said, "What more could one ask for on a Women's Day?” and advised ‘nanhi kalis’, “Girls, never give up your dreams!”

Prateik Babbar, actor and son of Smita Patil was also present along with his aunt, Smita Patil's elder sister Anita Patil Deshmukh, who heads the Mumbai-based NGO Partners for Urban Knowledge Action and Research (PUKAR) for the event. The retrospective has been a great success running houseful everyday and reflecting social and gender issues raised by the fine actor.