Shyam Benegal: India Mourns Loss Of A Visionary Who Redefined Cinema

Shyam Benegal, a Padma Bhushan-awarded filmmaker, passed away on December 23, 2024, at a Mumbai hospital, reportedly due to chronic kidney disease. The cinema pioneer celebrated his 90th birthday nine days ago. He is revered for his films such as Ankur, Sardari Begum, Nishant, Mandi, Welcome to Sajjanpur, etc, setting a cultural precedent for Indian cinema on the global stage. In fact, his film Manthan was recently screened at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. He also received the Padma Shri, Dadasaheb Phalke, and 19 National Awards.

Benegal is credited with heralding the Indian 'parallel cinema' movement in the 1970s and 1980s. Unlike most filmmakers of the time, he had co-operative societies and institutes that contributed to many of his films. His most recent film was 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation', a biographical film released in 2023. 

Tributes Pour In

Soon after news of Benegal's passing spread, social media was flooded with tributes and heartfelt messages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, "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."

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

Congress minister Rahul Gandhi in his condolence message said Benegal presented "India's stories with depth and sensitivity". He wrote on social media, "His legacy in cinema and commitment to social issues will inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and admirers worldwide."

Saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal ji, a visionary filmmaker who brought India’s stories to life with depth and sensitivity.

His legacy in cinema and commitment to social issues will inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and admirers worldwide. pic.twitter.com/J6ARdNiVNV

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 23, 2024

The film fraternity feels his loss on a deeply personal level. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur said Benegal "created 'the new wave'" and "changed the direction of Indian cinema". He wrote, "Farewell my friend and guide." Fellow filmmaker Hansal Mehta also thanked Benegal for being an inspiration.

Here are more tributes:

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He created ‘the new wave’ cinema. #shyambenegal will always be remembered as the man that changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He created stars out great actors like Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell my friend and guide pic.twitter.com/5r3rkX48Vx

— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) December 23, 2024

Go well Shyam babu. Thank you for inspiring many like me. Thank you for the cinema. Thank you for giving tough stories and flawed characters such amazing dignity.
Truly among the last of our greats. pic.twitter.com/6niNXolUB3

— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) December 23, 2024

Shyam Benegal was an institution. Ushered in what became Parallel Cinema, always making films on his terms, never compromising on the artistic integrity or the ideological leanings, often taking on difficult subjects, and consistently offering a voice to stories of Indian women.… pic.twitter.com/Nlvg4e5uZl

— Love of Cinema (@loveofcinemasf8) December 23, 2024

A heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema. Shyam Benegal wasn’t just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience for me, exposing me to his unique style of storytelling & nuanced… pic.twitter.com/EH0eosqkAR

— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) December 23, 2024

Salute to one of the greatest film-makers of India. 🙏

As a tribute to him, do watch/re-watch entire "Bharat Ek Khoj series" on youtube. Link in comment.#ShyamBenegal pic.twitter.com/GxiHNxxjHA

— Sandeep Manudhane (@sandeep_PT) December 23, 2024

India has lost the most humane storyteller of our time, and I’ve lost a guru. Through his lens, Shyam Benegal brought real India to the screen, making us love the ordinary while tackling profound social subjects. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who… pic.twitter.com/N6PVP37UYM

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 24, 2024

He #ShyamBenegal might have passed but he will live on through his unforgettable films .. he inspired so many lives including mine through his cinema .. sadly missed working with him a couple of times.. always kind, soft spoken and thoughtful.. he continued doing what he loved… pic.twitter.com/9jLEAmVzvD

— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) December 23, 2024