Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 24: Actor Annu Kapoor, who considered Shyam Benegal a mentor, has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of the iconic Indian filmmaker and screenwriter.
Benegal, a key figure in India’s parallel cinema movement, passed away at the age of 90 on Monday in a Mumbai hospital after battling chronic kidney disease. His death has left the Indian film industry grieving, with tributes flowing in from across the entertainment world.
Annu Kapoor paid a heartfelt tribute to Benegal, saying, “He made an unforgettable contribution to the Hindi film industry. He gave me my first break in the film Mandi. I pray that his soul rests in peace and that his wife and daughter find the strength to bear this immense loss.” He further shared, “He discovered many strong talents in the Mumbai film industry. I am deeply grateful and indebted to him.”
Benegal’s impact on Indian cinema is undeniable, particularly his significant contributions to the parallel cinema movement of the 1970s and 1980s. His groundbreaking films, such as Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika, brought complex characters and socially relevant narratives to the forefront, forever reshaping Indian filmmaking.
Through these works, Benegal solidified his place as one of the architects of socially-conscious, realist cinema. His efforts were recognized with multiple accolades, including seven National Film Awards for Best Feature Film in Hindi. In 2018, he was honored with the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award for his exemplary work in Indian cinema.
Born on December 14, 1934, in a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family in Hyderabad, Benegal’s cinematic journey began with formal education in film. He worked with a talented roster of actors from FTII and NSD, including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Amrish Puri, whose contributions shaped the Indian film industry and elevated the careers of many.
Benegal’s ability to tackle socio-political themes with sensitivity and depth helped his films resonate with both audiences and critics. His legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and cinephiles alike.
In addition to his work in feature films, Benegal made significant contributions to Indian television and documentaries. His landmark television series, Bharat Ek Khoj, which explored India’s history, and Samvidhaan, depicting the making of India’s Constitution, are regarded as milestones in Indian television.
Benegal’s most recent project, the India-Bangladesh co-production Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), a biographical film about Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond filmmaking, Benegal served as the Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986 and was a respected member of prestigious international juries, including the 14th Moscow International Film Festival (1985) and the 35th National Film Awards (1988).
As tributes continue to pour in, Shyam Benegal’s contribution to cinema remains celebrated, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.