Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
Mumbai, June 7, 2025 — The 16th edition of KASHISH Pride Film Festival, South Asia’s biggest LGBTQ+ film festival, witnessed a historic moment as the cast and crew of the iconic film Mandi (1983) reunited after 42 years to pay tribute to legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who was the Festival Patron since 2011. The special screening was part of a retrospective honoring Benegal’s cinematic legacy and his fearless, socially conscious storytelling.
The screening of Mandi at Cinepolis, Andheri (W), Mumbai, captivated audiences with its bold themes, powerful performances, and progressive commentary on power, patriarchy, and sexuality. A film that challenged cinematic norms in both form and content, Mandi remains a landmark in Indian cinema.
Singer and Actor, Ila Arun said “I had tears in my eyes — I actually choked. Watching Mandi again was like reliving the entire experience. What a wonderful film Shyam Benegal made… It was my first film, and we truly worked like a family. It has so many layers, so much depth. All my prayers to you, Shyam — with gratitude and love.”
“The uniqueness that is Mandi is no accident. From the story to the way we made the film, it was a first for the Hindi film industry. The bulk of the cast was composed of newbies like myself. So a giant repertory company, along with a few seasoned actors, camped out in the hills of Hyderabad for two months — and the result is a kaleidoscopic mad caper,” said Soni Razdan, a key member of the cast. “It was truly ahead of its time. Even today, I think it would be extremely difficult to make a film like Mandi. That truly was the brave new era of filmmaking.”
Filmmaker Joy Bimal Roy, who began his career assisting Benegal on Mandi, reflected on the director’s humility and collaborative spirit:
“I assisted Shyam Benegal for the first time on Mandi. He was an incredibly democratic director — treating senior actors and me, the junior-most assistant, with equal courtesy and respect. Seeing it 43 years later at KASHISH brought back so many memories. Thank you, KASHISH, for showing this brilliant film.”
The tribute held deep personal significance for Pia Benegal, costume designer and daughter of Shyam Benegal:
“We are deeply honoured that KASHISH Pride Film Festival — South Asia’s leading queer film festival — is celebrating the legacy of Shyam Benegal, who was a proud patron of the festival and wholeheartedly supported Sridhar Rangayan’s vision for inclusive and representative storytelling. Throughout his career, Shyam Benegal remained committed to exploring stories from the margins, challenging conventions, and giving voice to those often unheard in mainstream cinema. The screening of his iconic film Mandi at this year’s festival is a fitting tribute — a film that not only showcases his fearless storytelling and sharp social insight but also reflects his enduring impact as a filmmaker.”
Festival Director Sridhar Rangayan shared:
“Shyam Benegal’s work has always resonated with the ethos of KASHISH — compassion, courage, and creative expression. To celebrate him with the reunion of the Mandi cast was a dream come true. His films continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.”
As KASHISH continues to shine a spotlight on diverse narratives, the Mandi reunion stands as a testament to the festival’s commitment to honoring trailblazers who laid the groundwork for inclusive and boundary-pushing cinema.