NEW DELHI (AP) — Shyam Benegal, a renowned Indian filmmaker known for spearheading the new wave cinema movement tackling social issues, has passed away at the age of 90 due to chronic kidney disease. Benegal died on December 23, 2024, at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). His cremation is scheduled for Tuesday, according to reports from the Press Trust of India, citing his daughter, Piya.
“Benegal had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years, but it had gotten very bad. That’s the reason for his death,” Piya stated.
The news of his passing led to an outpouring of tributes on social media, with many notable figures from the film industry expressing their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Benegal’s storytelling as “profoundly impactful,” adding, “His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life.”
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, known for his cinematic contributions alongside Benegal, remarked, “Benegal told stories without pretense. They were raw and real, about the struggles of ordinary people. His films had craft and conviction.”
Benegal is remembered not only for his influential films, which include classics such as Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977), but also for his role as mentor to some of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. Actor Naseeruddin Shah, one of his protégés, expressed his grief, saying, “I have lost my adoptive father, whom I owe more than I can say.”
Manoj Bajpayee, also deeply affected by Benegal’s loss, highlighted the filmmaker’s visionary nature, stating, “Shyam Benegal was not just a legend; he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations.”
Benegal emerged as one of Indian cinema's most important figures during the 1970s, initiating a movement dubbed 'parallel cinema' which addressed the social realities of India, shining light on themes of class struggles, rural impoverishment, and gender issues. His film Ankur delved deep to examine India’s feudal divide, whereas Manthan depicted the rise of the cooperative dairy movement.
His works transcended film, also impacting television with landmark shows such as Bharat Ek Khoj, which aired in 1988 and was adapted from Jawaharlal Nehru’s Discovery of India, chronicling India’s historical evolution. More recently, Benegal directed the 2023 biopic Mujib: The Making of a Nation, highlighting the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the leader of Bangladesh’s independence movement.
Benegal's legacy extends beyond his filmography; he founded the Hyderabad Film Society and directed over 900 sponsored documentaries and advertisements early in his career, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller.
Born in December 1934 in Hyderabad, Benegal's early exposure to cinema, aided by his father—a still photographer and short filmmaker—shaped his future endeavors. He earned his economics degree from Osmania University and initially ventured to work as a copywriter before fully immersing himself in filmmaking.
He is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, and daughter, Piya. Benegal’s key contributions to cinema through crafting thoughtful narratives have marked the end of an era, with many bemoaning the significant loss felt across the industry.
Tributes continue to flow, capturing the spirit of admiration and respect he engendered through his work. His influence will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come, as new filmmakers stand on the shoulders of the trailblazer who changed the very fabric of Indian cinema. A poignant and invaluable presence, Shyam Benegal’s legacy is woven deeply within the rich narrative of India’s film history.
