Shyam Benegal, December 23 — Shyam Benegal, a monumental figure in Indian cinema and a pioneer of the Parallel Cinema movement, has passed away at the age of 90. Benegal, whose body of work from the 1970s and 1980s is widely regarded for its realism and social commentary, breathed his last at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital, where he had been admitted due to chronic kidney disease.
He passed away on December 23 at 6:38 PM, surrounded by family. His daughter, Pia Benegal, confirmed the news, sharing that his condition had worsened after years of battling the illness. “He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years, but it had gotten very bad,” she said.
Despite the health challenges that accompanied his advancing age, Benegal remained deeply committed to his passion for filmmaking. Just days before his death, on his 90th birthday, he shared with the media that he was working on multiple projects. “I’m working on two to three projects; they are all for the big screen,” Benegal had told PTI.
Shyam Benegal was born in Hyderabad on December 14, 1934, to Sridhar B. Benegal, a renowned photographer, and was the second cousin of legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt. His entry into filmmaking came after working as a copywriter, and he directed his first documentary film, Gher Betha Ganga, in 1962.
Benegal’s landmark works in cinema include his pioneering films such as Ankur (1973), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977), which marked the rise of India’s New Wave cinema. Known for his critical portrayal of societal issues, he explored themes of politics, gender, and human relationships. His 1983 film Mandi, starring Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil, was a powerful satire on politics and prostitution. Benegal also delved into the complex history of Goa in Trikal (1985), reflecting his skill in blending social commentary with rich storytelling.
Beyond filmmaking, Benegal was a key figure in shaping the future of Indian cinema as the Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986. His contributions extended to television, with seminal works such as Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan, which are regarded as milestones in Indian television history.
Benegal’s last film, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), was a biographical drama exploring the life of the founding father of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Throughout his life, Shyam Benegal remained dedicated to making films that pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and provoked thought.
He is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, and daughter, Pia Benegal, who will carry forward his legacy in the world of Indian cinema.
Shyam Benegal’s death marks the end of an era for Indian cinema. His contribution to filmmaking and his role in the development of Parallel Cinema will remain influential for generations to come.
