Shyam Benegal, the legendary filmmaker who revolutionized Indian cinema, has died at the age of 90. Known for his trailblazing contributions to parallel cinema, Benegal’s death marks the end of an era that redefined Indian filmmaking. His legacy, built on realism, social commentary, and a break from conventional narratives, continues to inspire filmmakers today. As the nation mourns the loss of a visionary, his remarkable body of work remains an integral part of India’s cinematic history.

In 1976, Indian cinema witnessed a turning point when Shyam Benegal, a trailblazing director, made his debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. At a time when Cannes was still firmly grounded in the world of cinema, not yet a fashion-driven spectacle, Benegal’s film Nishant was featured in competition. It was a groundbreaking moment for both the director and Indian cinema as a whole, marking India’s arrival on the global film stage.

Benegal, at the age of 42, had already made a lasting impact with his previous film Ankur, which subtly introduced the nation to a new wave of filmmaking. Nishant, like Ankur, showcased a unique narrative style that was rooted in realism, tackling socio-political issues with a raw sensitivity that resonated with audiences. But it was the film’s Cannes screening that truly marked a turning point for Indian cinema.

The 1976 Cannes Festival was different from the glitzy, fashion-focused events we see today. It was a celebration of cinema in its purest form. However, Benegal’s presence was far from typical. Along with Nishant, the director brought along his two lead actresses, Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi, to the French Riviera. Although the film was accompanied by posters from the National Film Development Corporation (NDFC), a mix-up meant that the posters never made it to the festival, but the trio of Indians did.

Shabana Azmi later shared how they made an unforgettable impression at Cannes. “In a place where we had no money and everybody was throwing lavish parties, Shyam came up with this unique idea. He said, ‘I want both of you [Azmi and Patil] to wear your finest South Indian saris and walk the promenade from eight in the morning,'” Azmi recalled. While everyone else was dressed in beachwear, the two actresses, in their traditional silk saris, paraded the streets of Cannes. They became living advertisements for their film, greeting passersby and inviting them to the screening. This unconventional tactic helped them attract an audience in the absence of a big promotional budget.

The story of Nishant at Cannes is as much about the film as it is about the personalities behind it. Benegal, known for his modest approach, had a keen understanding of how to present Indian cinema on the world stage. In an era when films were promoted with lavish budgets and star power, Benegal’s approach was simple yet effective. The director was also a seasoned adman who had spent years in the advertising world before venturing into filmmaking. His commercial acumen translated well into his filmmaking, as evidenced by his strategy to promote Nishant at Cannes.

Benegal’s cinematic journey started with Ankur in 1973, a film that introduced a new era in Indian cinema. Following Nishant, he directed other masterpieces such as Manthan (1976) and Bhumika (1977). Together, these films laid the foundation for what became known as “New Cinema” in India, a movement that sought to tell more socially conscious, realistic stories, often drawing attention to issues of class, caste, and gender. Through his films, Benegal introduced a new generation of actors, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Om Puri, and Neena Gupta, many of whom became icons of Indian cinema.

Benegal’s approach to filmmaking was notably collaborative. He ran a tight-knit ship where everyone, from the actors to the crew, contributed in whatever capacity they could. The actors, many of whom were at the beginning of their careers, often worked for little to no money, driven by their desire to be part of a revolution in Indian cinema.

In Nishant, Benegal pitted Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil against each other, creating a compelling dynamic that made the film stand out. While Azmi’s character received more screen time, Patil, who was making her feature film debut, played an equally significant role. The film, which was set against the backdrop of rural India, focused on social issues and gender dynamics, and it became known for its powerful female leads.

Nishant was nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Benegal’s participation in the Cannes Film Festival in 1976 proved to be a turning point for Indian cinema, and his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers today.

With films that were ahead of their time and an unwavering commitment to realism, Shyam Benegal ushered in a new era for Indian cinema. He not only changed the way stories were told but also made sure that India’s voice was heard loud and clear on the world stage. Nishant at Cannes marked the dawn of a new era — an era where Indian films, for the first time, garnered the international attention they truly deserved.

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the much-anticipated RRB Group D Notification for 2025, opening a staggering 32,438 vacancies within the Indian Railways. This large-scale recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring to secure a government job with substantial benefits.

The online registration process will begin on January 23, 2025, and will remain open until February 22, 2025. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to apply during this window to stand a chance to work with one of India’s largest and most respected organizations.

A prestigious career path

The recruitment is for Level 1 posts under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix, with an initial salary of Rs. 18,000 per month. Along with the competitive pay, selected candidates will also benefit from job security, travel allowances, and other perks. Indian Railways, known for its extensive and vital role in the nation’s transportation, promises employees an enriching career.

Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly for the selection process, which will include a structured and transparent procedure, ensuring a fair chance for everyone interested in this prestigious opportunity.

Mixed reactions on X

As the notification went live, it sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms. On X, the hashtag #RailwayLevel1_1Lakh_VacancyDo trended as job seekers expressed both excitement and frustration. While many expressed gratitude for the large number of vacancies, some users took to X to voice concerns over the competitive nature of the recruitment process.

One user tweeted:

In response to the announcement of the 32,438 vacancies for RRB Group D posts, X users expressed their frustration over the limited number of openings, stating:

This sentiment is echoed by many, with users online questioning the adequacy of the number of positions available for the vast number of job seekers across the country.

X users voice concerns over timing of RRB Group D recruitment

Despite the differing opinions, the general sentiment remained positive, with most users acknowledging that the sheer number of vacancies increases the chances for a wider pool of candidates.

Looking ahead

Candidates eager to apply should stay updated with the official notifications and guidelines for the recruitment process. The release of the RRB Group D Notification 2025 marks an important milestone in the Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to bolster its workforce and contribute to the country’s growth.

The recruitment process is expected to be highly competitive, and with only a month to apply, job seekers are urged to prepare diligently for this career-defining opportunity.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to check out the RRB Group D notification screenshot shared in this post for detailed information.

In a viral Instagram video, Rohini Arju, a veterinarian and spirituality content creator, has openly confessed her love for popular YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps. Arju, who has over 45,400 followers on Instagram, has shared several videos dedicated to her admiration for Allahbadia, including an extraordinary display of affection in which she declares her love for him as “beyond time, space, and eternity.”

In a now-resurfaced video from October 21, Arju, dressed as a bride, is seen celebrating Karwa Chauth by performing traditional rituals and worshiping a photograph of Allahbadia. In the video, she refers to him as “My everything, my Swami,” further declaring, “Many people may mock me or call me crazy and delusional, but I love you beyond time, space, and eternity.”

Arju’s devotion doesn’t stop at social media posts. In another video, she proudly shows off a tattoo of Allahbadia’s name on her shoulder and her bridal mehendi with his name written on it. In one of her posts, she writes, “I don’t know if you will ever come to me, if you will ever accept me, or if you will ever marry me. I don’t know anything about the future; I only know my love for you.” She even shared a picture of herself sleeping beside a portrait of the influencer, further expressing her unwavering devotion.

Her fervent admiration reached new heights when she declared, “Jaha Ranveer, waha Rohini,” while tagging Allahbadia in her posts. She also shared a video of herself having breakfast with his photo and another showing her walking while holding it close to her heart, adding, “Swami, I’ve waited lifetimes for you, and now, in this one, we are finally becoming ONE soon, as Husband and Wife.”

While her videos and posts have attracted significant attention, they have also sparked widespread criticism on social media. Many users have expressed concerns, labeling her behavior as “creepy” and “problematic,” with some speculating that Arju’s posts may be an attempt to gain engagement by leveraging Allahbadia’s popularity. Despite the backlash, her content continues to go viral, with Google Trends showing a noticeable spike in searches for “Ranveer Allahbadia” following her videos.

Arju’s extreme gestures of devotion have raised questions about the boundaries between fandom and obsession, prompting ongoing discussions on social media about online behavior and the power of influencers in shaping their audiences’ lives.

You can see videos here: 

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