Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi Offers Tributes Following Shyam Benegal's Passing
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Bhubaneswar, Dec 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed his heartfelt condolences on the demise of the legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal on Monday.
CM Majhi referred to Benegal as a foundational figure in Indian parallel cinema.
"I am profoundly saddened by the loss of the iconic filmmaker Shyam Benegal. As a foundational figure of Indian parallel cinema, he earned the admiration of cinephiles across the globe. His groundbreaking contributions have created a lasting legacy, reshaping the realm of Indian cinema and motivating countless filmmakers and audiences for generations to come," CM Majhi shared on his X account.
In addition, former Odisha Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, also conveyed his sympathies regarding the passing of the national award-winning director.
"I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of the legendary filmmaker #ShyamBenegal. He was a revered master of Indian cinema, and his loss is monumental for the film industry. His socially relevant narratives were pioneering for their time, and his significant influence behind the camera will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti," Patnaik wrote.
Shyam Sunder S. Benegal, a recipient of multiple National Awards and a trailblazer of 'parallel cinema' known for classics such as 'Junoon', 'Ankur', 'Manthan', 'Zubeida', and 'The Making of the Mahatma', passed away after a prolonged struggle with kidney disease, as confirmed by his family on Monday.
Benegal, a second cousin of the late actor-director Guru Dutt, was 90 years old and took his last breath at a private hospital in Mumbai.
He is survived by his wife, Nira, and their daughter, Pia.
Honored with the Padma Shri in 1976, the Padma Bhushan in 1991, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2005, and numerous other national and international accolades, Benegal recently celebrated his 90th birthday on December 14, surrounded by many colleagues from the film industry.
