"Thanks for your brilliance and generosity."
Shyam Benegal sadly passed away on December 23, 2024. He was 90 years old.
He reportedly died of kidney disease at a central hospital in Mumbai.
Benegal was regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of Indian cinema and is often credited with pioneering parallel or arthouse cinema in Bollywood.
He taught at the Film and Television Institute of India between 1966 and 1973 and soon began to make documentaries.
His documentary A Child of the Streets (1967) received widespread acclaim. Benegal made over 70 documentaries and short films in his career.
He made his directorial debut with Ankur (1974), which also marked the first film of veteran stars Anant Nag and Shabana Azmi.
Shyam Benegal won several National Awards in his career.
He won the ‘National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi’ for Nishant (1975), Junoon (1979), and Arohan (1982).
Benegal also won the award for Manthan (1976). Also known as The Churning, the film was screened at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival.
In 2005, Benegal was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award – India’s highest accolade for contribution to cinema.
Since the news of his death emerged, tributes poured in for Shyam Benegal on social media.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote:
“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.”
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
Manoj Bajpayee said: “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 honour 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.”
Anupam Kher also paid tribute to the late filmmaker. He said:
“Deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal.
“He was the messiah for actors, writers, and technicians of alternative cinema in India. He told stories differently.
“When I went to meet him to ask for a role during the making of Mandi, he looked at me and said, ‘I don’t have anything substantial for you in this film. And I don’t think you should do a smaller role! Why don’t you wait? Maybe something substantial will come your way!’
“And when Saaransh happened, he was extremely happy for me! Goodbye, Shyam Babu.
“Thanks for your brilliance and generosity. Will miss you and your infectious smile.”
Deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of legendary filmmaker #ShyamBenegal. He was the messiah for actors, writers and technicians of alternative cinema in #India. He told stories differently. When I went to meet him to ask for a role during the making of #Mandi, he looked… pic.twitter.com/cRNhpRFgM4
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) December 23, 2024
Speaking about his view on films, Benegal said in an interview: “I haven’t made any films that I did not enjoy making.
“When I was filming them, I just loved the whole experience.
“I cannot separate the individual stories from the sociologic circumstances.
“If I take it out, then I would not be true to the subject. A film is not a mere poster.”
“It is not just unidirectional but a part of the whole historical circumstance and, as a story, has connections to the past, the future, and the present.
“It is only then that it comes to life.”
Shyam Benegal last directed Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), which was co-produced between India and Bangladesh.
Loading ...