Shyam Benegal’s Death Marks the End of an Era in Indian Filmmaking

Mumbai, 24th December 2024: Shyam Benegal, the legendary Indian filmmaker who spearheaded the new wave filmmaking movement in the 1970s and addressed urgent social issues through his art, has passed away at the age of 90.

According to his daughter Piya, Benegal died on Monday at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai due to complications arising from chronic kidney illness. “For a number of years, he had been dealing with chronic renal disease, but it had gotten really bad. That’s what killed him,” Piya stated. His cremation was held on Tuesday.

Tributes poured in from all corners of society. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. People from all walks of life will continue to appreciate his creations.”

Actor Naseeruddin Shah, mentored by Benegal, mourned his loss, saying, “I lost my foster father, a man to whom I owe more than I can say.”

Actor Manoj Bajpayee also paid tribute, remarking, “Shyam Benegal was not just a legend; he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations.”

Benegal rose to prominence in the 1970s with films like Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977). These works were instrumental in the “parallel cinema” movement, offering a sharp critique of societal issues in India. For instance, Ankur delved into the feudal divide, while Manthan highlighted India’s cooperative dairy movement.

In the 1980s, Benegal expanded his influence with the groundbreaking 53-episode television series Bharat Ek Khoj, based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s book Discovery of India. The series traced India’s evolution from antiquity to modernity. More recently, in 2023, he directed a biopic on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the leader of Bangladesh’s independence movement against Pakistan in the 1970s.

Born in Hyderabad in December 1934, Benegal formed the Hyderabad Film Society and earned a degree in economics from Osmania University. Early in his career, he directed over 900 sponsored documentaries and commercials, honing his craft before transitioning to feature films.

Benegal’s legacy is monumental. He mentored many of India’s most celebrated actors, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri. His contributions to Indian cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry. He is survived by his wife Nira and daughter Piya.