Renowned Bollywood filmmaker Shyam Benegal has passed away, according to a report by The Times of India. He breathed his last at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital today (December 23) at 6 PM. He was 90 years old.
Shyam Benegal had been unwell for a long time. His daughter, Pia Benegal, confirmed the news of his demise to The Indian Express.
Benegal recently celebrated his 90th birthday on December 14 with family and friends. Notable guests at the celebration included actors Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Naseeruddin Shah, Divya Dutta, Shabana Azmi, Rajit Kapur, Atul Tiwari, and Kunal Kapoor, son of the late Shashi Kapoor.
A Pioneer of Parallel Cinema
Born on December 14, 1939, in Hyderabad, Shyam Benegal began his career with television and documentaries. He transitioned to feature films in the 1970s, starting with his debut movie “Ankur” (1974), which marked the beginning of India’s parallel cinema movement. His films focused on realistic and socially conscious narratives, a stark contrast to mainstream Bollywood.
Benegal’s notable works include “Nishant” (1975), “Manthan” (1976), “Bhumika” (1977), and “Kalyug” (1981). These films explored the complexities of human relationships, societal struggles, and the lives of marginalized communities.
Legacy and Recognition
Benegal received numerous National Awards for his groundbreaking films and was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2005. However, his legacy extends beyond accolades. As a mentor and visionary, he inspired generations of filmmakers and championed meaningful, independent cinema in India.
His passing marks the end of an era in Indian filmmaking, leaving behind a profound legacy that will continue to influence Indian cinema for years to come.