Mumbai: Shyam Benegal, the visionary filmmaker who pioneered the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s with his works known for realism and social commentary, has passed away at the age of 90. Benegal’s films broke away from the conventions of mainstream Indian cinema, making him a key figure in the country’s cinematic history.
Benegal is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, and daughter, Pia Benegal. He had been receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital, just days after celebrating his 90th birthday on December 14.
His daughter, Pia Benegal, shared that her father had been battling chronic kidney disease for several years, and it had worsened in recent times, leading to his death. “He passed away at 6.38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That’s the reason for his death,” she said.
On his 90th birthday, Shyam Benegal had mentioned that he was still actively working on several projects. “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,” he had told news agency PTI. Despite his health challenges, including regular dialysis treatments, Benegal remained dedicated to filmmaking, revealing he was working on two to three different projects for the big screen.
His most recent film was the 2023 biographical Mujib: The Making of a Nation. Throughout his career, Benegal crafted films that addressed diverse issues and created enduring classics, including Bhumika, Junoon, Mandi, Suraj Ka Satvaan Ghoda, Mammo, and Sardari Begum. He also made impactful documentaries and television serials such as Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan.
Born in Hyderabad to Sridhar B Benegal, a renowned photographer, Shyam Benegal was also the second cousin of the legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt. He began his career as a copywriter before making his first documentary, Gher Betha Ganga in 1962. His feature films Ankur (1973), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977) established him as a key figure in the new wave film movement.
Benegal also served as the Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986. His film Mandi (1983), a satirical take on politics and prostitution, remains a classic, starring Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. Later, with Trikal, set during the final days of Portuguese rule in Goa, Benegal explored complex human relationships.
Shyam Benegal’s death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, but his legacy will continue to influence generations of filmmakers and cinephiles.