Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away on Monday (23 December) in Mumbai, his daughter confirmed to India Today. He was 90 and had been suffering from a kidney-related ailment.
The filmmaker made his debut as a feature director with the critically acclaimed Ankur and went on to become a memorable name in parallel cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan, Nishant, Bhumika, Mandi, Trikaal, and Zubeidaa. His films were known for their social messaging and for the nuanced female characters.
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur shared a picture of the filmmaker with the book "Maestro - A Tribute to Shyam Benegal at 90,” and wrote, "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 (sic).”
Actor Akshay Kumar expressed his condolences on social media, “Pained to know of Shyam Benegal ji’s demise. One of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti.”
Actor Chiranjeevi also took to X (Twitter) and posted, “Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal,one of the finest film makers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered & nurtured some of the brightest film talents of India. His films, biographies and documentaries form part of India’s greatest cultural treasure!! A fellow Hyderabadi & former Rajya Sabha member, Benegal Sab’s masterful works will always be held in great esteem in Indian Cinema! Rest In Peace Sir!!”
Actor Manoj Bajpayee shared a picture from the sets of Zubeidaa with his co-star Karisma Kapoor and wrote, "A heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema. Shyam Benegal wasn’t just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience for me, exposing me to his unique style of storytelling & nuanced understanding of performances. I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons I learned under his direction. It was an absolute honor to have had the opportunity to work with him. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched. Rest in peace Shyam Babu, Om Shanti."
Benegal was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991.