Mumbai: Iconic filmmaker and pioneer of India’s New Wave cinema Shyam Benegal passed away on December 23 at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai. He was 90 years old. His demise marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy of socially conscious and thought-provoking films that reshaped storytelling in the country.
Industry mourns loss
He created ‘New Wave’ cinema. shyambenegal He will always be remembered as the man who changed the direction of Indian cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He made great actresses like Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil stars. Goodbye my friend and guide Shekhar Kapoor Sherakpur 23 December 2024
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur paid an emotional tribute.
“He created ‘new wave’ cinema. #ShyamBenegal will always be remembered as the man who changed the direction of Indian cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He made great actresses like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil stars. “Farewell to my friend and guide.”
Politician and writer Shashi Tharoor expressed his grief by sharing personal connection
“Mourning the demise of India’s New Wave Cinema legend #ShyamBenegal. My sisters and I knew them since childhood when they had their pictures taken as the first ‘Amul Babies’. His influence will live on, but his demise is a great loss to cinema and humanity. Om Shanti.”
bollywood director shyambenegal Ji passed away RIP. pic.twitter.comSeOKtuyqeo-KRK Kamalarkhan 23 December 2024
The final work of art, presented by shyambenegal The ocean of talent was in one image on his 90th birthday pic.twitter.comVktUHnjROrsay Saoirsefe 23 December 2024
mourn the death of shyambenegalA stalwart of India’s New Wave cinema who leaves behind a vast store of cinematic achievements. I and my sisters knew him since childhood, when he was an advertising professional who first photographed them as Amul Babiespictwitter.comoKw8iIpJeeShashi Tharoor Shashi Tharoor 23 December 2024
A legacy that redefined Indian cinema
Benegal celebrated his 90th birthday on 14 December with a grand gathering of close friends and family. The event saw the presence of Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and many other luminaries, who honored the director for his incredible contribution to cinema.
During his illustrious career, Benegal directed masterpieces such as:
• Ankur (1973)
• Nishant (1975)
• Manthan (1976)
• Bhumika (1977)
• Mammo (1994)
• Sardari Begum (1996)
• Zubaida (2001)
Known for his sharp social commentary and authentic portrayal of Indian society, Benegal was awarded the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991 by the Government of India.
Benegal’s work not only inspired generations of filmmakers, but also challenged social norms and highlighted important issues through the lens of cinema. His contribution will always be recorded in the history of Indian cultural history.
As the film fraternity and fans mourn his demise, his timeless work continues to inspire, ensuring that his legacy will live on.
