Within Hyderabad's cultural circles, Benegal is fondly remembered as "Shyam babu" who was much more than just a filmmaker. "Growing up he was a cycling champion and an excellent swimmer.

“I remember when we tried to submit Hyderabad Blues for the first Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) Film Festival. We missed the deadline, but Shyam babu saw the film and insisted it be ...

Someone mentioned a film called Hyderabad Blues, and we had just received the BHST award. Shyam Babu said, “Oh, I’ve seen that film. It’s delightful; let’s include it.” And, quite ...