One cannot separate social essence from entertainment: Shyam Benegal

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who was recently spotted in the city on the third day of the Jagran Film Festival here at Siri Fort auditorium, said that one cannot separate social essence from entertainment.

Sharing his thoughts on the discussion, 'Is Independent Cinema taking over Bollywood', the veteran filmmaker said, "It is easy to make movies, but it has become extremely difficult to release them and one doesn't have to depend on cinema to showcase their independent movies".

The 'Ankur' director also said that parallel cinema has not yet taken over Bollywood because cinema was a public art and it could only be fulfilled with the help of audience.

Benegal added that entertainment should be the primary concern for any kind of cinema.

The 79-year-old filmmaker was accompanied by 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' actor Pawan Malhotra and Indian Motions Pictures Association (IMPA)'s head T.P. Agarwal, where they discussed the current scenario of independent cinema.

Malhotra also said, "Audience wants to see parallel cinema, if it is available to them and I think every movie is a commercial movie. There is art involved in showbiz, however, audience must be well informed about the movies as well."

The fifth Jagran Film Festival was held at Siri Fort auditorium in New Delhi from July 5 to July 8. It will also travel to 14 cities across the country including Lucknow, Ranchi, Kanpur, Bhopal, Agra and will conclude in Mumbai. (ANI)

.