NEW DELHI — Shyam Benegal, a celebrated filmmaker from India who played a crucial role in a cinematic movement focused on social issues during the 1970s, has passed away due to complications from chronic kidney disease at the age of 90.
His influence on the film industry extended across various roles, including director, editor, and screenwriter. Benegal gained recognition with impactful films such as Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977), which addressed the social realities of a nation grappling with poverty and sought to challenge the mainstream Bollywood narrative.
He breathed his last on Monday at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, with his daughter Piya confirming that his cremation would occur on Tuesday. Piya mentioned that her father had been battling chronic kidney disease for several years, which had recently worsened significantly.
Tributes flooded social media platforms, reflecting the deep impact Benegal had on the cinematic landscape. Renowned filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt praised him for his authentic storytelling approach, highlighting that Benegal’s narratives were unadulterated and focused on the struggles faced by everyday people while showcasing both craft and conviction.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of Benegal, noting the profound influence his storytelling had on Indian cinema, and emphasized that his works would remain admired by diverse audiences.
Benegal also served as a mentor to an array of prominent Indian actors like Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri, many of whom made significant contributions to mainstream Bollywood cinema.
Shah reflected on his relationship with Benegal by stating, “I have lost my foster father, a man to whom I owe more than I can express.” Actor Manoj Bajpayee honored Benegal as a groundbreaking visionary who transformed storytelling and inspired countless individuals.
His film Ankur delved into the feudal divisions within India, while Manthan spotlighted the cooperative dairy movement in the country. Benegal’s legacy extended to television as well, with his widely acclaimed series “Bharat Ek Khoj,” a 53-episode adaptation of Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Discovery of India,” which traced the history of the country from ancient eras to modern times.
In his later career, he directed a biopic in 2023 focused on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s struggle for independence from Pakistan during the 1970s. Notably, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who is the daughter of Rahman, previously had to flee to India amid student protests in August.
Benegal was born in 1934 in Hyderabad, southern India. He studied economics at Osmania University in Hyderabad and later founded the Hyderabad Film Society. He also entered the advertising industry, creating over 900 sponsored documentaries and commercials throughout his career.
He is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal.
