Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India, December 23 (ANI): Veteran director and screenwriter Shyam Benegal, often regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in Indian cinema, has passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind an irreplaceable legacy. Shyam Benegal breathed his last today at 6:38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, where he was undergoing treatment for chronic kidney disease.
His films, including Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika, established him as a pioneer of the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s. Benegal was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi seven times and received the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Born on December 14, 1934, in a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family in Hyderabad, Benegal collaborated extensively with actors from FTII and NSD, including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Amrish Puri.
His films left an indelible impact on audiences, addressing relevant socio-political themes with remarkable depth. For instance, Junoon (1979), based on Ruskin Bond’s A Flight of Pigeons, is a tumultuous epic set during India’s freedom movement. The film, featuring a forbidden love story between a British woman (Nafisa Ali) and a passionate Pathan (Shashi Kapoor), remains one of Benegal’s finest works, celebrated for its sweeping visuals and emotional intensity.
Similarly, Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (1992), adapted from Dharamvir Bharti’s novel, presented a unique narrative structure as a bachelor (Rajit Kapur) recounts stories of three women from different social strata who influenced his life. Each character was distinct and symbolised the diverse fabric of society.
Benegal also explored intersectional feminism long before it became a mainstream discourse. His film Bhumika, inspired by the memoirs of Marathi actress Hansa Wadkar, delved into themes of personal identity, feminism, and relationship conflicts. Mandi (1983), another milestone, offered a satirical commentary on prostitution and politics, portraying the struggles of a brothel against societal and political pressures.
His films gained international acclaim as well. Manthan (1976), inspired by Verghese Kurien’s pioneering milk cooperative movement, made waves globally and was showcased at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The film’s premiere was attended by luminaries such as Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Prateik Babbar, and members of the Kurien and Patil families.
Benegal’s most recent project, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), was an India-Bangladesh co-production depicting the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. Shot extensively in both countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the biographical film added another feather to his illustrious cap.
In addition to feature films, Benegal contributed significantly to documentaries and television. His iconic series Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan remain benchmarks in Indian television. He also served as the Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986 and was a member of prestigious juries, including the 14th Moscow International Film Festival (1985) and the 35th National Film Awards (1988).
Throughout his career, Benegal received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honour in cinema.
Shyam Benegal‘s contributions to Indian and world cinema will continue to inspire generations to come. (ANI)
Mamata Banerjee, Kharge, Tharoor condole Shyam Benegal’s demise
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered condolences to the family, friends and followers of Shyam Benegal. Taking to her X handle, Mamata wrote:
“Saddened by the demise of our iconic filmmaker Shyam Benegal. A pillar of Indian parallel cinema, he was loved and admired by all connoisseurs. My condolences to his family, friends and followers.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor recalled his childhood memory of Shyam Benegal.
“Mourning the passing of #ShyamBenegal, a giant of India’s New Wave cinema who leaves a considerable body of cinematic accomplishment behind. My sisters and i knew him since our childhood, when he was an advertising professional who photographed them as the first “Amul Babies”. His impact will endure, but his passing is an immense loss, for cinema and for humanity.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis said it is sad that famous director Shyam Benegal passed away. “He brought parallel cinema to the forefront. He received many national awards. His service to Indian cinema is incomparable and his departure is an end to an epoch. I pay my homage to the departed soul.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge recalled notable works of Shyam Benegal which will help to inspire generations of filmmakers. Taking to his X handle, Mallikarjun wrote,
“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 social issues, leave an indelible mark.
His works like ‘Bharat, Ek Khoj’ based on Pandit Nehru’s ‘The Discovery of India’ and the series ‘Samvidhaan’, which is based on the Constituent Assembly debates are a valuable reference point for young audiences. Recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, along with 18 National Film Awards, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers.”
Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan expressed profound sorrow over the passing away of veteran filmmaker,.
In his condolence message, the Governor wrote,
“Shri Shyam Benegal belonged to the rare league of exceptionally brilliant filmmakers who made an indelible mark on the world of cinema through his pioneering contributions to parallel cinema. His masterpieces like Ankur, Nishant, and Manthan showcased his courage in portraying social realities. He also gifted the nation the iconic television series Bharat Ek Khoj, which beautifully connects the viewers with our glorious past.
With his demise, India has lost a genius filmmaker who inspired generations of storytellers. I pay my homage to Shri Shyam Benegal and convey my deepest condolences to his family and admirers.” (ANI)
