New Delhi, May 17—Celebrated costume designer Pia Benegal is set to broaden her creative pursuits by stepping into film production. She aims to carry forward the legacy of her father, the legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, under the banner of Shyam Benegal Sahyadri Films (SBSF).
Known for her remarkable work in acclaimed films like Zubeidaa, Dil Se.., and Aligarh, Pia recently completed work on the first season of Hansal Mehta’s web series Gandhi. Now, she is preparing to expand her horizons beyond costume design and into storytelling from behind the camera.
Embracing a New Creative Role
"I look forward to interesting projects as a costume designer. Other than that, I want to diversify beyond costumes," Pia said in a recent interview. "Since my father has left a legacy of films and series, I want to become a producer. I want to produce feature films, short films, TV series, etc. I'm meeting exciting scriptwriters and directors."While she has long been a "silent partner" at SBSF, Pia plans to lead the company in a fresh direction, shaped by her creative vision.
Honouring a Cinematic Legacy
Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of India’s parallel cinema movement, passed away on December 23, shortly after his 90th birthday. Pia emphasized that while she aims to honor his legacy, her work will reflect her voice and sensibilities."I will not be taking forward the Shyam Benegal footprint, because I can't be him," she explained. "But I will do what excites me about stories and what I feel touches me... I want to move with the times and technology. I want to create a fascinating look for the future, which will also have a bit of me."
A Journey That Began by Chance
Pia’s entry into costume design was serendipitous. In the early 1990s, she worked as a junior production assistant on her father’s film Antarnaad. Due to budget constraints, Shyam Benegal asked her to take charge of the costumes."I said, but I don't know how to stitch a hook or a button. So he said, 'Why don't you just read the script and try doing the costumes?'" she recalled. That experience ignited her passion for costume design.
In 1999, she enrolled in a one-year course at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi to refine her skills. Over the years, she became a frequent collaborator with her father on films including Mammo, Sardari Begum, Suraj Ka Satwan Ghoda, Hari Bhari, Welcome to Sajjanpur, Bose: The Forgotten Hero, Well Done Abba, and his final work Mujib: The Making of a Nation.
Learning from a Master
Reflecting on her father’s working style, Pia admired his ability to delegate and empower his team."He was very good at designing. He wasn’t somebody who would want to handle everything and give instructions," she said. "He gave me the freedom to network, source, make mistakes, and take the fall... The whole thing was, 'You must learn on your own.' He did the same for everybody."
As Pia Benegal now sets her sights on producing, she carries with her not just the legacy of a celebrated filmmaker but also a vision for the future, grounded in storytelling, creativity, and independence.