NEW DELHI – The world of Indian cinema has lost a legend with the passing of Shyam Benegal, a renowned filmmaker known for his pioneering work in tackling social issues through his films. He passed away at the age of 90 after battling chronic kidney disease. Benegal’s contribution to cinema was not limited to directing, but also extended to editing and screenwriting. He rose to fame in the 1970s with his thought-provoking films such as Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika, which challenged the mainstream Bollywood by shedding light on the social realities of a poor nation.
Benegal breathed his last on Monday at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital, and his cremation will take place on Tuesday, as confirmed by his daughter Piya to the Press Trust of India news agency. “Benegal had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years, and it had gotten very bad,” Piya said.
The news of his passing has left the film fraternity and fans in shock, and many took to social media to pay tribute to the legendary filmmaker. Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt wrote that Benegal’s films were raw and real, without any pretense, and they depicted the struggles of ordinary people with craft and conviction. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on Twitter.
Benegal was not just a filmmaker but also a mentor to many top Indian actors, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri, who made their mark in Bollywood’s popular cinema. Shah, who was mentored by Benegal, posted on Twitter, “I have lost my foster father, a man to whom I owe more than I can say.”
Actor Manoj Bajpayee also expressed his grief and said, “Shyam Benegal was not just a legend; he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations.”
Benegal’s films were not just limited to the big screen; he also made a mark in the television industry with his landmark 53-episode series, Bharat Ek Khoj. The series was based on the book Discovery of India, written by India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and chronicled the country’s journey from ancient times to modernity.
In addition to his work in India, Benegal also directed a biopic on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led Bangladesh’s freedom struggle against Pakistan in the 1970s. The former Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August following a student movement, is the daughter of Rahman.
Born in 1934 in Hyderabad, in southern India, Benegal earned an economics degree from Osmania University and established the Hyderabad Film Society. He also ventured into advertising, where he directed over 900 sponsored documentaries and advertising films.
Benegal’s legacy will continue to live on through his films, which have left a lasting impact on Indian cinema. He is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, and his work will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers. The world has lost a visionary and a true pioneer in the world of cinema, but his legacy will continue to shine through his timeless works.
