Renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal dies, aged 90
3 min readVeteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who heralded the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s with films such as “Ankur”, “Nishant” and “Manthan”, died on Monday, December 23, his daughter Pia said. Benegal was 90.
The filmmaker passed away at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital due to chronic kidney disease, Pia Benegal told PTI.
“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,” she said.
Wockhardt Hospital sources said Benegal had been admitted in the ICU.
In his prolific career, Benegal made films on diverse issues, documentaries and television serials, including “Bharat Ek Khoj” and “Samvidhaan”. He had celebrated his 90th birthday just 10 days ago on December 14.
The director told PTI on the occasion that he had to frequently visit the hospital and was on dialysis.
Benegal is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal and daughter Pia.
His films include “Bhumika”, “Junoon”, “Mandi”, “Suraj Ka Satvaan Ghoda”, “Mammo” and “Sardari Begum”, most counted as classics in Hindi cinema.
The director’s most recent work was the 2023 biographical “Mujib: The Making of a Nation”.
Reactions
Following Benegal’s death, many renowned people, ranging from film industry insiders to politicians, took to social media to condole the loss.
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
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
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”.… pic.twitter.com/oKw8iIpJee
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 23, 2024
Director and screenwriter #ShyamBenegal passes away at 90. He breathed his last at 6.30 pm at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai.
The timing of his last rites will be declared later. We extend our sincere condolences to friends, family and fans.#RIPShyamBenegal #News pic.twitter.com/T9Jm4LsUUg
— Filmfare (@filmfare) December 23, 2024
Deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary Shyam Benegal. His contributions to Indian cinema are immeasurable and his legacy will live on through his incredible body of work.🙏 pic.twitter.com/x6ZuT6lqoM
— Kajol (@itsKajolD) December 23, 2024
The world knew Shyam Benegal as an iconic film maker.. but rarely have I met a more empathetic person. Caring, helpful and wore his success so lightly. Part of a magical generation of Indians who were filled with the idealism of nation building : his path breaking cinema… pic.twitter.com/rkVm8iqkhP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) December 23, 2024
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…
— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) December 23, 2024
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