Eminent director, writer and filmaker Dada Saheb Phalke award and Padma Vibhushan recipient Shyam Benegal is no more. Breathed his last at the age of 90

It is indeed an end of an era in Indian film industry. An iconic fluorescent film maker who gave Bollywood a new direction and widespread spectrum legendary Shyam Bengal is no more.

He breathed his last at the age of 90 in a Mumbai super speciality Hospital of age related physical complications especially severe Kidney ailment dying of cardiac arrest. His sad demise has send shock waves in the entire Bollywood fraternity and among his millions of fans.

An outstanding name in film production, writing and direction, legendary Shyam Bengal was an institution in himself.

Benegal, known for poignant and enduring films like ‘Ankur’, Mandi, ‘Nishant’, ‘Manthan’ and ‘Zubeidaa’, etc he examined the many fault lines of Indian society, unflaggingly chronicling the nation’s evolution while changing its cinematic course. He also produced and directed a serial on the popular book authored by Jawaharlal Nehru “Discovery in India” in Hindi titled “Bharat EK Khoj” adored and keenly watched by millions of watchers worldwide initially exhibited on Doordarshan when it was the only and prime (singular) electronic channel in India.

He belonged to the tradition of great filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen and Ritwik Ghatak but had his own unique style.

He was the only and the last voice to express the pain of the exploited, deprived and oppressed people in India through cinema.

Among other documentaries and biographies his biopic on the father of the nation of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rehman is also an exemplary film, lauded globally.

Recipient of prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award and Padma Vibhushan honour Shyam Benegal’s going away for eternal journey for ever is indeed a huge loss to the Bollywood a vacuum never to be fulfilled in future.

His films’ script , cinematography and direction were outstanding since they specifically dealt with societal problems and social evils deep rooted in the society like castism, feudalism, poverty, women torture , oppression and other forms of social stigmas.

The way he depicted these key problems and exhibited with immense dexterity they left a special mark in the society leading to sending across an outstanding messages of social reformation and women’s emancipation.

He was such a great personality of Bollywood having given new lease of life to Indian cinema, especially highlighting the grass roots grievances of the common man and women that even President of India Draupadi Murmu top was terribly moved hearing about the death of this legend. She , while expressing her deepest condolences wrote on X : The passing of Shri Shyam Benegal marks the end of a glorious chapter of Indian cinema and television. He started a new kind of cinema and crafted several classics. A veritable institution, he groomed many actors and artists. His extraordinary contribution was recognised in the form of numerous awards including Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan. My condolences to the members of his family and his countless admirers.

Prime minister Narendra Modi also was moved and shocked after learning about the sad demise of Shyam Benegal . He while expressing his grief on this legend’s death 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. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.

Leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi too was saddened after learning about the demise of iconic filmmaker Shyam Benegal . He wrote on X : 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.

Eminent South Indian star Chiranjeevi while expressing his immense shock over the sad demise of the legendary director , writer and filmaker Shyam Benegal wrote on his social media handle X : Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal,one of the finest film makers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered & nurtured some of the brightest film talents of India. His films, biographies and documentaries form part of India’s greatest cultural treasure!! A fellow Hyderabadi & former Rajya Sabha member, Benegal Sab’s masterful works will always be held in great esteem in Indian Cinema! Rest In Peace Sir!! wrote Chiranjeevi on X while paying his heartfelt tributes to Shyam Benegal Ji.

Renowned Bollywood actor and former MP Raj Babbar expressed his serious concern over the sad fen se if the legendary filmaker writing in his social media FB post :

Shyam Benegal Saheb’s demise is a not only a loss to Cinema but to Humanity as well. My heartfelt tributes who to me was a symbol of the New Wave in Indian Cinema that among other things specialised in giving expression to the soul.

Who could have thought of crowdfunding a film. But it was his genius which made ‘Manthan’ a reality. The immortal ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ touched every Indian. Ankur, Nishant, Junoon, Mandi…all masterpieces that so beautifully captured complexities & contradictions..

Thankyou Sir, for being such a meaningful influence on so many students of cinema. You will be missed so much wrote Raj Babbar while paying his tributes to this great soul.