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NEW DELHI: The passing of Shyam Benegal, the legendary filmmaker who revolutionized Indian cinema, has elicited heartfelt tributes from various sectors, including political leaders, actors, and filmmakers.
Just two weeks ago, Shyam Benegal celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by the actors he had worked with over the decades. The joyous occasion was captured in a photograph shared by actor Shabana Azmi, who captioned the image, “Some of his actors with Shyam Benegal’s on his 90th birthday Mashallah.” This celebration now stands as a poignant farewell to the visionary director who transformed Indian cinema.
Some of his actors with Shyam Benegal’s on his 90th birthday Mashallah pic.twitter.com/cnDrjAphf2
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) December 15, 2024
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences, stating, “Shyam Benegal started a new kind of cinema and crafted several classics. A veritable institution, he groomed many actors and artists. His extraordinary contribution was recognized in the form of numerous awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan. My condolences to the members of his family and his countless admirers.
The passing of Shri Shyam Benegal marks the end of a glorious chapter of Indian cinema and television. He started a new kind of cinema and crafted several classics. A veritable institution, he groomed many actors and artists. His extraordinary contribution was recognised in the…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 23, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Twitter, stating, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Shyam Benegal Ji, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Shyam Benegal Ji, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 23, 2024
Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, also took to Twitter to honour Benegal’s legacy, writing, “Saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal ji, a visionary filmmaker who brought India’s stories to life with depth and sensitivity. His legacy in cinema and commitment to social issues will inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and admirers worldwide.”
Saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal ji, a visionary filmmaker who brought India’s stories to life with depth and sensitivity.
His legacy in cinema and commitment to social issues will inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and admirers worldwide. pic.twitter.com/J6ARdNiVNV
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 23, 2024
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur hailed Benegal as the creator of ‘new wave’ cinema, saying, “He created stars out of great actors like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell, my friend and my guide.” Director Sudhir Mishra added, “If there is one thing Shyam Benegal expressed best, it was the poetry of the ordinary face and ordinary lives.”
He created ‘the new wave’ cinema. #shyambenegal will always be remembered as the man that changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He created stars out great actors like Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell my friend and guide pic.twitter.com/5r3rkX48Vx
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) December 23, 2024
Benegal’s filmmaking was both deeply personal and inherently political. His films often explored themes of class and caste struggles, feminist concerns, and rural distress, making him a storyteller of the ordinary and the marginalized. His collaborations with notable talents like playwright Vijay Tendulkar, composer Vanraj Bhatia, and cinematographer Govind Nihalani further enriched his films, cementing his place in the annals of Indian cinema.
ALSO READ: Shyam Benegal, pioneer of parallel cinema, passes away at 90
Shyam Benegal, the visionary filmmaker who revolutionized Hindi cinema in the 1970s and 1980s with his groundbreaking work in the ‘parallel movement,’ passed away on Monday at the age of 90. The acclaimed director had been battling chronic kidney disease and died at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU.
His daughter, Pia Benegal, confirmed the news, stating, “He passed away at 6:38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years, but it had gotten very bad. That’s the reason for his death.” He is survived by his daughter Pia and wife, Nira Benegal.
Breaking Barriers in a Closed Industry
In the early 1970s, when the Hindi film industry was a tightly-knit and closed circle, Shyam Benegal emerged as a trailblazer from Hyderabad, challenging the status quo. During an era dominated by multi-starters and a self-absorbed industry, Shyam Benegal introduced a new wave of cinema that focused on realism and social issues.
His entry into the world of cinema was nothing short of revolutionary. His debut feature film “Ankur” (1974) marked the beginning of a prolific career that included 21 feature films, two feature-length documentaries, and a successful stint in advertising.
Born on December 14, 1934, in Hyderabad, Benegal’s passion for cinema was ignited in his childhood. Frequent visits to a local cinema and a 16mm Bolex camera gifted by his father, Sridhar B. Benegal, a professional still photographer, nurtured his love for filmmaking.Despite the challenges of breaking into the industry from Hyderabad, Benegal’s determination and talent paved the way for his illustrious career.
He was instrumental in bringing neo-realism to Hindi cinema, choosing stories that resonated with him and tapping new talents from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). His films like “Ankur,” “Mandi,” and “Manthan” showcased his unique ability to blend Hindi cinema’s strongest elements of dance and music with neo-realistic storytelling, offering a platform for aspiring actors like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil.
