Shyam Benegal is one of the most celebrated filmmakers of India's parallel cinema. Known for his path-breaking and award-winning films, which include Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, Bhumika and Trikaal, he is also the director who is recognized for introducing fine actors like Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil Anant Nag and Deepti Naval to the Indian film viewer.