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Legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, renowned for his immense contributions to Indian cinema, passed away on Monday at the age of 90. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years, and his condition had worsened in recent times. His daughter, Pia Benegal, confirmed the news, stating, "He passed away at 6.38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central." The filmmaker had been admitted to the hospital’s ICU before his passing.
Just nine days before his death, Benegal had celebrated his 90th birthday, surrounded by actors who had worked with him over the decades. They gathered to honor the filmmaker, almost as a final farewell to the man who had given them some of the best roles of their careers. Benegal is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, and his daughter.
Tributes poured in from across the country, with political leaders, industry figures, and fans expressing their deep sadness at his loss. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the first to offer their condolences. President Murmu said, "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.
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
" PM Modi also expressed his sorrow, saying, "His storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life."
Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi praised Benegal’s work. Kharge highlighted his "tremendous contributions to the art form,"
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… pic.twitter.com/g4p7NBmTxf
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 23, 2024
While Rahul Gandhi called him a "visionary filmmaker who brought India's stories to life with depth and sensitivity."
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur fondly remembered Benegal, calling him the man who changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur and Manthan. "He created stars out of great actors like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil," Kapur added.
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
Actor Manoj Bajpayee expressed his grief on social media, calling Benegal’s death a "heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema." Bajpayee, who had the honor of working with the legendary director, said, "Shyam Benegal wasn't just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched."
Other film industry veterans also paid their respects. Akshay Kumar described Benegal as "one of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend." Kajol mentioned his "immeasurable" contributions to Indian cinema, while producer Karan Johar thanked him for his cinema and his role in shaping incredible talent.
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra reflected on Benegal’s ability to express "the poetry of the ordinary face and ordinary lives." Telugu superstar and politician Chiranjeevi also joined the tributes, writing, "Shyam Benegal’s masterful works will always be held in great esteem in Indian Cinema."
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, and Odisha’s former CM Naveen Patnaik also offered their condolences. Patnaik described Benegal as a "doyen" of Indian cinema, while Nitish Kumar said his demise had created a "void" in the field of art and filmmaking.
Director Sandip Ray, son of the legendary Satyajit Ray, expressed his shock at the news. He recalled how Benegal had made a documentary on his father and the unique relationship the two directors shared. "Whenever my father visited Mumbai, Benegal would invite him to his home and to film screenings," Ray said.
The death of Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of Indian cinema, has left the country in mourning. His extraordinary body of work and contributions to the art form will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and cinema lovers alike.
