Naseeruddin's Emotional Moment at Cannes 'Manthan' Screening

Actor Naseeruddin Shah talks about being a part of the screening of his 1976 film Manthan at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, which took place almost 50 years after its release. Speaking to Brute India, the actor described it as a "very emotional experience". He also said that he felt more proud of this film than ever before. Naseeruddin also said that being a part of the film festival and walking the red carpet felt "surreal" for him.

Naseeruddin remembered Smita Patil, Girish Karnad, and Amrish Puri

Naseeruddin said, "I found it surreal. I have always seen red carpet ceremonies either in videos or in pictures. I have seen all these beautiful women parading in their gorgeous costumes. I never even dreamed that I'd be a part of it. One day, my wife and I decided to keep it as simple as possible and of course, it was a very emotional experience because there were a lot of friends in the movie and my teachers too. He was the director of FTII. Smita was his dear friend and Amrish is also no more."

Naseeruddin 'could barely control his tears'

He also said, "There are so many faces that have fallen out of one's memory. To see again all the people who were there before, who were almost everyone in the unit... I'm very proud of this film. Felt more proud than I've ever felt. I've always held this film very deeply, so it was such a touching experience, I could barely hold back my tears and I think the film was worth the time. It has stood the test."

About the film 'Manthan'

Manthan, directed by Shyam Benegal, was inspired by Verghese Kurien's pioneering milk cooperative movement. It is based on the background of India's White Revolution. The film was completely crowdfunded by 500,000 farmers who donated ₹2 each. Apart from Naseeruddin, the film also featured actors like Girish Karnad, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Smita Patil, Mohan Agashe, Anant Nag, and Amrish Puri.

Manthan in Cannes

The screening of Manthan took place on Friday evening at the Cannes Film Festival. It was attended by Naseeruddin, his wife Ratna Pathak Shah, the late Smita Patil's son Prateek Babbar, Verghese Kurien's daughter Nirmala Kurien, Smita Patil's sisters Anita Patil Deshmukh and Manya Patil Seth.

By: Richa Mishra