The Film Community Remembers Shyam Benegal

Mumbai, Dec 23 (NationPress) Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal has passed away at the age of 90 in Mumbai on Monday. Members of the film fraternity have expressed their condolences on social media over the loss of this cinematic icon.

National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee took to his X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a heartfelt message in memory of the legend. He wrote, “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.”

He added, “I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons I learned under his direction. It was an absolute honor 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, Om Shanti.”

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar also expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “Pained to know of Shyam Benegal ji’s demise. One of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti.”

Shekhar Kapur remarked on X, “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 of great actors like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell my friend and guide.”

Actress Kajol expressed, “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.”

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra shared, “If there is one thing Shyam Benegal expressed best, it was the Poetry of the ordinary face and ordinary lives. Much will be written about Shyam Benegal, but for me, not many talk about the fact that there was a lament in his films and a sadness about the fact we were not living in the best of all possible worlds.”

Veteran Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi commented, “Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal, one of the finest filmmakers 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 treasure!! A fellow Hyderabadi & former Rajya Sabha member, Benegal Sab’s masterful works will always be held in great esteem in Indian Cinema! Rest In Peace Sir.”

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta took to Instagram to share a picture of the late filmmaker, writing in the caption, “Among the last of our great filmmakers. Go well Shyam Babu. Thank you for inspiring many like me. Thank you for the cinema. Thank you for giving tough stories and flawed characters such amazing dignity.”

Shyam Benegal is widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers post-1970s, and he received numerous accolades including 18 National Film Awards, a Nandi Award, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest honor in cinema, a Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan.

Born in Hyderabad to Sridhar B. Benegal, who was well-known in photography, he was also the second cousin of the legendary Indian auteur Guru Dutt.

Shyam began his career as a copywriter, creating his first documentary film in Gujarati, titled ‘Gher Betha Ganga’ in 1962. His initial four feature films, ‘Ankur’ (1973), ‘Nishant’ (1975), ‘Manthan’ (1976), and ‘Bhumika’ (1977), established him as a pioneer of the new wave film movement during that era.

He also held the position of Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986.