RIP Shyam Benegal: The filmmaker once said “You CAN’T look away when Shah Rukh Khan is on screen”; wanted Hrithik Roshan to play Gautam Buddha in an ambitious biopic

One of the greatest filmmakers of Indian cinema, Shyam Benegal, passed away on December 23. Fans were disheartened at the loss and also over the fact that the legendary director recently celebrated his 90th birthday, on December 14, with gusto in the presence of industry friends - Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rajit Kapur and Kunal Kapoor, among others. Since his passing, various newspapers and news websites have talked about his immense contribution to cinema and for starting a new wave in Bollywood. Bollywood Hungama, in this special feature, will focus on some of the lesser-known instances and his views on mainstream actors.

In a 2009 interview, Shyam Benegal expressed his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan's acting prowess and screen presence. While talking to PTI, he said, “Shah Rukh is a truly brilliant actor. When he comes on the screen, you hardly look anywhere else but at him - he is that kind of an actor.”

When asked if Shyam Benegal would like to cast the superstar, the filmmaker replied, “How can I cast him? I don't have a subject that might even interest him.”

Hrithik Roshan in and as Gautam Buddha

More than a year before he spoke about Shah Rukh Khan, Shyam Benegal, opened up about Hrithik Roshan. This was a time when he wanted to make a film on Gautam Buddha and wanted to cast the Fighter (2024) actor in the lead role.

In an interview with Mumbai Mirror on December 25, 2007, Shyam Benegal confirmed that he had approached Hrithik Roshan and that the actor seemed keen to work on the film. He said, “Hrithik is quite keen to do the film and has asked for the script. Right now, we are working on putting the script together.”

Shyam Benegal continued, “We will take some time to get the script in place. But yes, I am keen on casting Hrithik. I feel he will suit the character of Buddha. His facial features are appropriate for the role.”

In the same interview, he also mentioned that the Gautam Buddha film would be a very expensive project. Benegal planned to produce himself along with a production house from Sri Lanka. Sadly, the film never materialized.

Also Read: Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away at 90

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