Legendary filmmaker and screenwriter Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian cinema, passed away on Monday at the age of 90. Benegal breathed his last at 6:38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, where he was undergoing treatment for chronic kidney disease.
Known as the pioneer of India’s parallel cinema movement, Benegal’s contributions to filmmaking remain unparalleled. His critically acclaimed films such as Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika redefined the cinematic landscape of the 1970s and 1980s. Over his illustrious career, he was honored with the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi seven times and was conferred the prestigious V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Born on December 14, 1934, in Hyderabad into a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family, Benegal’s filmmaking career was marked by collaborations with some of the most iconic actors from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and the National School of Drama (NSD). Luminaries such as Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi, and Amrish Puri brought his vision to life on screen’s
Benegal’s storytelling often explored socially relevant themes, including feminism and identity. His 1977 film Bhumika, inspired by the memoirs of Marathi actor Hansa Wadkar, delved into gender roles and personal conflicts, while Mandi (1983) offered a satirical take on prostitution and politics. Internationally, Manthan (1976), inspired by Verghese Kurien’s milk cooperative movement, gained global recognition and was featured at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
His most recent work, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), chronicled the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. A co-production between India and Bangladesh, the film underscored his enduring ability to create compelling narratives even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apart from feature films, Benegal made significant contributions to television and documentaries. His iconic series Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan remain landmark productions in Indian television history. He also served as Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986 and was part of prestigious film juries.
Recipient of the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Benegal’s work continues to inspire filmmakers worldwide. His demise marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through the stories he so masterfully told.