Filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away at the age of 90. As per the latest reports, he was battling with illness for sometime now. He is said to have breathed his last at 6.30 pm at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai. He was best known for films like Zubeidaa, Bhumika and many more. Reportedly, his daughter Pia Benegal confirmed the news of his demise. As per a report in Mid-Day, she is said to have confirmed that he was unwell for sometime and was suffering from kidney ailment.
Shyam Benegal was said to be the pioneer of parallel cinema. He was the one who brought a new wave of cinematic experience with films like Manthan (1976), Kalyug (1981), The Making of the Mahatma (1996), Zubeidaa (2001) and more. His last film as a director was Mujib: The Making of a Nation that released in 2023. It was a biographical drama based on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman - the founding father of Bangladesh. He set an example for many by working even in his late years. As the news of his demise made it to headlines, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur took to social media to mourn his death.
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 great actors like Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell my friend and guide pic.twitter.com/5r3rkX48Vx
Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) December 23, 2024
For his great contribution to the world of cinema, Shyam Benegal also received many awards. He was the recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke Award that was awarded to him in 2005. He was also a Padma Shri recipient, the fourth highest-civilian honour of the country. In the year 1991, Shyam Benegal was award the third-highest civilian honour - Padma Bhushan. His demise is considered to be an end of an era. His contribution to the film industry will never be forgotten. Our heartfelt condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace. The details of his last rites are yet to be revealed.
