Mumbai, Days after filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away, his actor friends Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah on Saturday fondly recalled his “wide, warm smile” and how he stayed true in his pursuit as a creative person.

The filmmaker passed away on December 23 after suffering from a chronic kidney disease.

Shabana and Shah’s notable collaborations include Manthan, Sparsh, Mandi, and Junoon. Recently, Shabana starred in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, earning accolades including a Filmfare Award for her performance.

Shabana Azmi shared a photo with Naseeruddin Shah at Shyam Benegal's 90th birthday, expressing her admiration for him and questioning why they aren't cast together more often. The actors, known for their contributions to parallel cinema,

Legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, 90, died in Mumbai. Known for classics like Manthan and Nishant, he redefined Indian cinema. His last film was Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023).

Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of parallel cinema, significantly influenced Shabana Azmi’s acting and worldview. Known for impactful films, Benegal gave Azmi her first acting role. Their collaborations shaped Azmi’s career.

Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah have worked together in a number of films including Masoom, Nishant and Paar.

Shyam Benegal, the pioneer of parallel cinema, played a pivotal role in Shabana Azmi's career as the actor says he was a guru who influenced not only her approach towards acting but also her understanding of life.

Veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Urmila Matondkar, and other Bollywood celebrities gathered for a prayer meeting in honour of legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal.