NEW DELHI — Shyam Benegal, a distinguished Indian filmmaker celebrated for his role in a cinematic movement that addressed societal issues during the 1970s, has passed away due to chronic kidney disease. He was 90 years old.
Benegal’s influence in the film industry as a director, editor, and screenwriter was significant. He gained recognition through seminal works such as Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977), which confronted the social realities faced by a struggling nation, setting them apart from mainstream Bollywood productions.
He passed away on a Monday at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, with cremation planned for the following day, as reported by his daughter, Piya. She mentioned that Benegal’s long-standing battle with chronic kidney disease had worsened significantly in recent times.
Numerous tributes poured in for the filmmaker on social media, especially platform X. Renowned director Mahesh Bhatt reflected on Benegal’s ability to tell stories without pretense, highlighting the authenticity and relatability of his narratives that focused on the lives of everyday people. “His films had craft and conviction,” Bhatt stated.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sadness over Benegal’s passing, noting the filmmaker’s deep impact on Indian cinema and his work’s ongoing relevance to various audiences.
Many notable actors, whom Benegal mentored, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri, have also acknowledged his contributions to their careers in Bollywood. Naseeruddin Shah poignantly shared, “I have lost my foster father, a man to whom I owe more than I can say.”
Manoj Bajpayee, another prominent actor, referred to Benegal as a visionary who transformed storytelling in cinema and inspired countless individuals across generations.
Benegal’s filmography includes Ankur, which delved into the feudal divisions in Indian society, and Manthan, centered on the nation’s cooperative dairy movement. He is also famous for creating “Bharat Ek Khoj,” a groundbreaking 53-episode television series adapted from Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Discovery of India,” which explored the country’s intricate history from ancient to contemporary times.
In addition, he directed a biopic released in 2023 about Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the leader of Bangladesh’s fight for independence in the 1970s. This film has particular resonance, as it relates to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Rahman’s daughter who sought refuge in India amid a recent student movement.
Benegal was born in 1934 in Hyderabad, located in southern India. He graduated with a degree in economics from Osmania University and founded the Hyderabad Film Society. His career also included extensive work in advertising, directing over 900 sponsored documentaries and promotional films.
He is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, who will continue to uphold his legacy.
