December 24, 2024: Tributes are pouring in from across the Indian film industry and beyond, following the passing of ace filmmaker Shyam Benegal on Monday at the age of 90. Benegal, known for his pioneering role in shaping India’s parallel cinema movement, passed away at 6:38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, where he had been undergoing treatment for chronic kidney disease.
Amitabh Bachchan, who shared a professional and personal bond with the late filmmaker, took to his social media platform (X) to express his grief. In his post, Bachchan wrote, “T 5233 – We have lost another stalwart of the Film Industry today… Shyam Benegal passes away… Prayers and condolences.” His post reflected the loss not only to the film industry but also to the legacy of filmmaking that Benegal built over his long and illustrious career.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who collaborated with Benegal on several iconic films, shared the funeral details with her followers on Instagram. The last rites for the legendary filmmaker will take place at 2 pm on Tuesday at the Shivaji Park Electric Crematorium in Dadar, Mumbai.
Several other prominent personalities, including Nafisa Ali, Karisma Kapoor, and Ajay Devgn, also remembered Benegal as a “legend” whose contributions to Indian cinema were monumental. They praised his ability to address socio-political themes with depth and humanity, creating films that not only entertained but also educated and challenged the thinking of audiences.
Shyam Benegal’s most famous films — Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, Bhumika — remain milestones in Indian cinema, having set the tone for the parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s. Benegal’s distinctive style was marked by realism, social awareness, and the ability to tell complex, compelling stories. His impact was recognized through multiple accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi seven times and the prestigious V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Born on December 14, 1934, in Hyderabad, Benegal hailed from a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family. He worked closely with some of the finest actors of Indian cinema, many of whom came from institutions like the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and the National School of Drama (NSD), including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Amrish Puri.
Benegal’s most recent project, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), was a biographical film about Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. The India-Bangladesh co-production was shot extensively in both countries during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, adding another significant feather to his cap in an already illustrious career.
Beyond feature films, Benegal made significant contributions to Indian television and documentaries. His iconic television series Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan set high standards for Indian television, exploring the rich history and complex political landscape of India.
Benegal also served as the Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986, contributing to the growth of independent cinema in India. His expertise was also sought in various prestigious international juries, including the 14th Moscow International Film Festival (1985) and the 35th National Film Awards (1988).
Shyam Benegal’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire filmmakers and cinephiles for generations to come.
