Renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of parallel cinema in the 1970s and 1980s, has passed away at the age of 90. Known for his realistic storytelling and socially relevant themes, Benegal’s death marks the end of a significant era in Indian cinema.
His daughter, Pia Benegal, confirmed the news, revealing that he passed away due to chronic kidney disease at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital on Monday evening. “He passed away at 6:38pm. He had been suffering for several years, and the condition had worsened,” she said.
Benegal had recently celebrated his 90th birthday on December 14, surrounded by family and close friends, including actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah.
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A trailblazer in Indian cinema, Benegal was behind critically acclaimed films like Ankur, Bhumika, Manthan, and Nishant. He played a key role in shaping India’s new wave cinema, using film as a platform for social commentary. His works earned multiple National Film Awards, including honors for Bhumika: The Role (1977), Junoon (1978), Manthan (1976), and Well Done Abba (2010).
In addition to feature films, Benegal made influential television serials such as Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan, along with documentaries and cultural projects that showcased his deep understanding of Indian society. Earlier this year, a restored version of Manthan was screened at the Cannes Film Festival under the Cannes Classics segment, bringing global recognition to his legacy.
Born in Hyderabad to Sridhar B Benegal, a renowned photographer, Shyam Benegal began his career as a copywriter before making his first documentary, Gher Betha Ganga, in 1962. His debut feature, Ankur (1973), launched a series of influential films that redefined Indian cinema.
Benegal also served as the director of the National Film Development Corporation from 1980 to 1986, significantly contributing to the growth of the Indian film industry. Despite health challenges in recent years, including thrice-weekly dialysis, he remained dedicated to filmmaking. On his 90th birthday, he shared plans for ongoing projects, saying, “I’m working on two or three ideas, all for the big screen.”
Benegal’s most recent work, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), showcased his ongoing passion for storytelling. He is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, and daughter, Pia Benegal.
As tributes pour in, the film industry remembers Shyam Benegal as a visionary whose work used cinema to create cultural and social change. His contributions to Indian cinema will continue to inspire future generations.
