​42 years later, Mandi cast reunites at Kashish 2025 to honour Shyam Benegal

The 16th edition of the KASHISH Pride Film Festival, South Asia’s biggest LGBTQ+ film festival, witnessed a moving cinematic moment as the cast and crew of Mandi (1983) reunited after 42 years.

The special tribute honoured legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who served as the festival’s patron since 2011 and was celebrated for his fearless, socially aware storytelling.Part of a retrospective on Benegal’s cinematic legacy, the screening of Mandi at Cinepolis, Andheri (W), captivated audiences with its progressive themes, layered characters, and bold exploration of power, patriarchy, and sexuality — elements that made it a landmark in Indian cinema.

Soni Razdan and Ila Arun Actor and singer Ila Arun, who made her debut in Mandi, shared an emotional response:“I had tears in my eyes, I actually choked. Watching Mandi again was like reliving the experience. It was my first film, and we truly worked like a family. So many layers, so much depth. All my prayers to you, Shyam, with gratitude and love.”Soni Razdan, another prominent cast member, reflected on the film’s pathbreaking journey, “The uniqueness that is Mandi is no accident.

Most of us were newcomers, camping out with a few seasoned actors in Hyderabad for two months. The result was this kaleidoscopic mad caper, truly ahead of its time. Even today, making a film like Mandi would be nearly impossible. That was a brave new era of filmmaking.”Filmmaker Joy Bimal Roy, who began his career assisting Benegal on Mandi, praised the director’s humility, “Shyam was incredibly democratic, treating senior actors and junior assistants with equal respect.

Seeing Mandi again after 43 years brought back a flood of memories.”The tribute was especially meaningful for Pia Benegal, costume designer and daughter of Shyam Benegal, “We are deeply honoured that Kashish is celebrating my father’s legacy. As a proud patron of the festival, he believed in inclusive storytelling and championed voices from the margins. Mandi reflects not just his artistic brilliance but also his unwavering commitment to cinema that challenges conventions.”Sridhar Rangayan, Festival Director, summed up the sentiment, “Shyam Benegal’s work reflects the core values of Kashish — compassion, courage, and creative expression. Celebrating him through the Mandi cast reunion was a dream come true. His films continue to inspire generations.”