Legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a visionary who redefined Indian cinema with his socially driven narratives, passed away on Monday at the age of 90. Benegal had been battling kidney-related ailments in recent years.
The celebrated director, who had turned 90 just days ago, marked his milestone birthday on December 14 surrounded by family and some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. The star-studded celebration was attended by luminaries like Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Divya Dutta, Rajit Kapur, Atul Tiwari, and Kunal Kapoor, a testament to Benegal’s enduring influence and deep connections in the film industry.
Born on December 14, 1934, in Hyderabad, Shyam Benegal hailed from a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family. His father, Sridhar B. Benegal, a photographer from Karnataka, nurtured his early interest in filmmaking, gifting him a camera that led to his first film at the age of 12. Benegal later pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from Osmania University, where he founded the Hyderabad Film Society, sowing the seeds of his illustrious cinematic journey.
Over his illustrious career, Benegal became synonymous with films that blended artistry with strong social commentary. From his debut feature Ankur to critically acclaimed works like Manthan, Mandi, Zubeidaa, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero, and Well Done Abba, Benegal’s films told stories of resilience, societal change, and human connection. His works gave a voice to the voiceless, often spotlighting issues like gender inequality, rural empowerment, and political struggles.
Benegal’s cinematic brilliance earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991, two of India’s highest civilian honors. His groundbreaking film Manthan, funded by over 500,000 farmers, showcased the success of India’s dairy cooperative movement and remains a cultural milestone.
