Shyam Benegal, legendary filmmaker of Indian parallel cinema, passes away

Hyderabad: Celebrated filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of Indian parallel cinema, passed away on Monday at the age of 90. He was reportedly suffering from kidney-related issues. The news of his passing was confirmed by his daughter, Pia Benegal.

Benegal, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday on December 14 with friends and family, leaves behind a monumental legacy in Indian cinema. Known for his groundbreaking films and realism-driven storytelling, his death marks the end of a transformative chapter in Indian filmmaking.

An Illustrious Journey in Cinema

Born on December 14, 1934, in Hyderabad, Shyam Benegal hailed from a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family. His father, Sridhar B Benegal, was a photographer who ignited young Shyam’s passion for filmmaking by gifting him a camera at the age of 12.

Benegal pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from Osmania University, Hyderabad, where he also established the Hyderabad Film Society. This early exposure to cinema set the foundation for a career that would redefine Indian filmmaking.

In a recent interview with PTI on his 90th birthday, Benegal said, “We all grow old. I don’t do anything great (on my birthday). It may be a special day but I don’t celebrate it specifically. I cut a cake at the office with my team. I’m working on two to three projects; they are all different from one another.”

The Vanguard of Indian Parallel Cinema

Benegal’s work in the 1970s and 1980s spearheaded the parallel cinema movement, which focused on realism and social commentary. His films broke away from traditional storytelling in mainstream Indian cinema, offering audiences thought-provoking narratives.

His directorial debut, Ankur (1974), marked the beginning of a series of critically acclaimed films, including Nishant, Manthan, Bhumika, Junoon, Mandi and Zubeidaa. These films explored themes of societal inequality, gender and human resilience, earning him numerous accolades, including National Film Awards.

Reflecting on his work, Benegal once said, “I try to tell stories that resonate with real people and real lives. Cinema, for me, is about exploring the human experience in all its complexity.”

Manthan: A Landmark in Indian Cinema

Benegal’s Manthan (1976) became a symbol of collective effort and inspiration. The film, funded by 5 lakh farmers contributing Rs 2 each, highlighted the groundbreaking milk cooperative movement led by Dr Verghese Kurien, transforming India into one of the largest milk producers in the world.

A restored version of Manthan was screened at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival under the Cannes Classics segment. Benegal had recalled, “The farmers of Gujarat made the film a success by watching it en masse in theatres.”

Awards and Recognitions

The Government of India honoured Benegal with the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991. His body of work also earned him multiple National Film Awards, including for Bhumika: The Role (1977), Junoon (1978), and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2004).

His last directorial feature, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), was a biographical drama celebrating the life of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

A Life Celebrated by Friends and Family

Benegal’s 90th birthday was a grand occasion attended by industry stalwarts such as Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Divya Dutta, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Kunal Kapoor and others. Azmi, who debuted in Benegal’s Ankur, shared a picture from the event, calling it ‘a celebration of a man who shaped so many lives through cinema.’

Legacy of a Visionary

Benegal’s contributions extended beyond cinema. He mentored generations of filmmakers, actors, and writers, shaping the cultural and artistic fabric of India. His films, rooted in Indian realities, continue to inspire audiences and filmmakers alike.

In mourning his loss, actor Naseeruddin Shah remarked, “Shyam Benegal gave us stories that were honest and deeply impactful. His work will remain timeless.”

Shyam Benegal’s departure is a profound loss to Indian cinema. As a filmmaker, storyteller, and visionary, he leaves behind an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come.