Shyam Benegal die: The Indian film industry lost one of its most celebrated pioneers as veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal breathed his last at 90, after a long illness with prolonged kidney-related ailments. His last breath came at 6:30 pm at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central. His death was confirmed by his daughter Pia Benegal, who shared that his health had been declining dramatically in the last few months because of chronic kidney disease.
Surviving the filmmaker are his wife, Nira Benegal, and his daughter, Pia. Arguably the father of parallel cinema movement in India, his contributions to Indian cinema leave for posterity an indelible mark.
Shyam Benegal die: A Revolutionary Filmmaker
Born on 14 December 1934, Shyam Benegal is known for his thought-provoking films that blend art with realism. His iconic works are Ankur, Manthan, Bhumika, Zubeidaa, and Mandi, which changed the way Indian cinema was perceived. His documentaries and television series, such as Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan, are timeless, showing his commitment to researching India’s rich history and social issues.
Several top accolades to Benegal’s credit were a Padma Bhushan, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and 18 National Film Awards. Known to unearth performance-oriented stardom with launches such as that of Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil, and thereby bringing out fresh tales to tell within the world of Indian storytelling.
Tributes pour in
Condolences have been pouring in from all over the country. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur shared on social media, “He created ‘the new wave’ cinema. Shyam Benegal will always be remembered as the man who changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan, and countless others. Farewell, my friend and guide.”
He created ‘the new wave’ cinema. #shyambenegal will always be remembered as the man that changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He created stars out great actors like Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell my friend and guide pic.twitter.com/5r3rkX48Vx
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) December 23, 2024
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian cinema and a true pioneer of the parallel cinema movement. His works like Bharat, Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan are valuable reference points for young audiences. His tremendous contributions to the art form, marked by thought-provoking storytelling and a profound commitment to social issues, leave an indelible mark.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary filmmaker, Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian cinema and a true pioneer of the parallel cinema movement. His tremendous contributions to the art form, marked by thought-provoking storytelling and a profound commitment to… pic.twitter.com/g4p7NBmTxf
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 23, 2024
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra expressed his sorrow as he said, “If there is one thing Shyam Benegal expressed best: it was the poetry of the ordinary face and ordinary lives.” A Journey of Remarkability.
Even as he turned 90 earlier this month, Benegal remained active and enthusiastic about filmmaking. Speaking about his upcoming projects, he said, “I’m working on two to three projects; they are all different from one another. It’s difficult to say which one I will make. They are all for the big screen.”
If there is one thing Shyam Benegal expressed best : it was the Poetry of the ordinary face and ordinary lives !
— Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) December 23, 2024
Shyam Benegal’s death marks an end to an era; his legacy will continue inspiring generations of filmmakers and film enthusiasts. The nation mourns this visionary whose art transcended time and touched countless lives.
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