New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders across the nation expressed their condolences on the passing of renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pivotal figure in Indian cinema. Benegal, who was 90, passed away on Monday at 6:38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, where he was undergoing treatment for chronic kidney disease.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Shyam Benegal Ji, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 23, 2024
In a heartfelt message on X, PM Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Shyam Benegal Ji, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Benegal’s demise has left a void in Indian cinema, with tributes pouring in from politicians, celebrities, and admirers nationwide. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described Benegal as a visionary who revolutionized Indian cinema through his realist and parallel filmmaking.
“His contribution to the development and glory of Indian cinema by recognizing the power of the film medium is invaluable. His works have made Indian films known internationally,” Fadnavis said in a statement. He highlighted Benegal’s journey from making films at the age of 12 with a camera gifted by his father to creating iconic works such as Ankur, The Seedling, Manthan, Mandi, and Junoon.
Fadnavis also praised Benegal’s unique storytelling style, which brought the lives of ordinary people to the screen and significantly shaped the parallel film movement. “He gave Indian cinema not just quality films but also many renowned artists who emerged from his directorial vision,” he said.
Saddened by the demise of our iconic filmmaker Shyam Benegal. A pillar of Indian parallel cinema, he was loved and admired by all connoisseurs.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 23, 2024
My condolences to his family, friends and followers.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her condolences, calling Benegal “a pillar of Indian parallel cinema.” Taking to X, she wrote, “Saddened by the demise of our iconic filmmaker Shyam Benegal. A pillar of Indian parallel cinema, he was loved and admired by all connoisseurs. My condolences to his family, friends, and followers.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary filmmaker, Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian cinema and a true pioneer of the parallel cinema movement. His tremendous contributions to the art form, marked by thought-provoking storytelling and a profound commitment to… pic.twitter.com/g4p7NBmTxf
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 23, 2024
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge acknowledged Benegal’s legacy and influence on future generations of filmmakers. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary filmmaker, Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian cinema and a true pioneer of the parallel cinema movement. His tremendous contributions to the art form, marked by thought-provoking storytelling and a profound commitment to social issues, leave an indelible mark,” Kharge wrote in a tribute on X.
Shyam Benegal’s pioneering contributions to parallel cinema have inspired filmmakers for decades. His works, which addressed social issues with nuanced storytelling, will continue to resonate with audiences and artists alike.