Shyam Benegal, one of India's most celebrated filmmakers, passed away on December 23, 2023, at the age of 90, due to complications from chronic kidney disease. The demise of the man often referred to as the father of India’s parallel cinema has sent ripples of sorrow across the nation, drawing tributes from the film fraternity and the communities whose lives he influenced through his thought-provoking storytelling.
Benegal, who was admitted to Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, was known for his unique ability to weave social narratives with cinematic finesse. His films, such as Manthan and Ankur, not only entertained audiences but also addressed pressing social issues, bringing conversations around caste and gender hierarchies to the fore. Manthan, for example, remains significant for its depiction of the dairy cooperative revolution, underpinned by real-life stories and struggles of rural communities.
Among those honoring Benegal was Bhagwanji Rakhaiya from Sanganva village, where Manthan was shot back in the 1970s. He reminisces about how he became known as "Bhaglo, son of Smita Patil" after his portrayal of Bindu’s son. "The film crew was very attentive, making sure not to disturb my look during the shoot, even going so far as to prevent my routine haircut," he recalled, echoing the fond memories of the village intertwined with the film's legacy.
Many villagers joined Rakhaiya to express their pride over their connection to Benegal's work. Ambabhai Rakhaiya, another local, stated, “I observed a fast when Benegal died as a mark of respect. A great man who brought to films the issue of untouchability for the first time. Before him, nobody had done anything like it.” This heartfelt sentiment showcases how the filmmaker's work extended beyond the screen and instigated real change.
Deputy Sarpanch Narendrasinh Jadeja reflects on the vibrant atmosphere during the shooting. "Benegal lived here and the crew would often play volleyball after shoots. It brought life to our village and connected us to the film world." The collaborative effort to create Manthan is well-remembered—farmers contributed financially, resulting in it becoming one of the first crowd-funded films internationally.
The prayer meet held to commemorate Benegal's life and work saw numerous Bollywood stars, including Shabana Azmi, Ila Arun, and Urmila Mantondkar. Their attendance was not just about honoring a peer but showcasing the lasting impact he had on the significant figures of the industry. Javed Akhtar, who also attended, reflected, “Benegal’s films had this remarkable quality of addressing social realities with elegance. His storytelling was rooted in truth.”
Benegal's influence shaped many lives—not just villagers like Rakhaiya, but also leading actors and filmmakers. His collaborations with artists such as Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, and Smita Patil helped launch and establish their careers. He was known for nurturing talent and encouraging new voices within the industry, making the cinematic space more inclusive.
Restoration efforts of films like Manthan highlight Benegal's enduring legacy. Recently screened at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, Benegal’s work received renewed attention and appreciation. The cultural resonance of the film continues to shine, as local villagers still joyfully recount tales of the shoot, some having even adopted the iconic song ‘Mero Gaam Katha Paare’ as their caller tune.
Nirmala Kurien, daughter of Dr. Verghese Kurien, founder of Amul, recalls how the village setting was chosen for its authenticity, adding depth to the film's narrative. She lovingly shared how the film's funding came through the unified contributions of farmers who believed passionately enough to sacrifice for it. “My father’s faith in Benegal paid off, not just for the film, but for our community’s identity,” she explained.
Contributing to the cinematic history, Benegal’s last film, Mujib: The Making of a Nation, released earlier this year, demonstrated how he continued to bridge divides through storytelling. His approach transcended entertainment; it shone light on society’s challenges, allowing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. Fellow filmmakers noted, “Where others saw barriers, he envisioned bridges.”
Benegal’s passing marks the end of an era but also serves as a call to continue the work he championed. The next generation of filmmakers, inspired by his legacy, carry the torch of socially relevant storytelling. That spirit, encapsulated within his films, will continue to guide the narratives of tomorrow, ensuring the stories of the voiceless are told.
