Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away in Mumbai on December 23. The award-winning filmmaker died at the age of 90 due to kidney-related ailments. Reportedly, he had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years. Condolences and heartfelt tributes poured all over social media after his demise was announced by his family.
Shyam Benegal Passes Away At The Age Of 90
Often hailed as the pioneer of parallel cinema in India, Shyam Benegal passed away at the age of 90 on Monday. According to India Today, he died at around 6:30 PM at the Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai. His daughter Pia Benegal confirmed the news and mentioned that his worsening kidney ailment was the reason for his demise.
From iconic television shows like Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan to movies like Manthan, Ankur, Zubeidaa, and Sardaari Begum, his sharp and powerful storytelling has been applauded by cinema lovers. Shyam Benegal received the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991 for his contribution to cinema. He even received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2005, the highest honour in Indian cinema.
The legendary director celebrated his 90th birthday a few days back on December 14 in Mumbai with his family and close friends from the industry. Shabana Azmi even shared a picture from the celebration. In the picture, Shyam Benegal could be seen surrounded by Naseeruddin Shah, Divya Dutta, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rajit Kapur, Atul Tiwari, and others.
Condolences & Tributes Pour In For The Renowned Filmmaker
Since the news of Shyam Benegal’s demise broke out, condolences have been pouring in for the renowned filmmaker. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his condolences to the family and laud his storytelling and its “profound impact on Indian cinema.” Many celebrities also shared their tributes on social media.
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
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
Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary filmmaker, Shri Shyam Benegal. Renowned for his bold storytelling and profound socio-political depth, he captured the essence of our nation’s journey and reshaped the course of Indian cinema. His remarkable legacy will continue to… pic.twitter.com/snQpIRNESK
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) December 24, 2024
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.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 23, 2024
T 5233 – We have lost another stalwart of the Film Industry today ..
Shyam Benegal passes away ..
Prayers and condolences 🙏— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 23, 2024
Deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of legendary filmmaker #ShyamBenegal. He was the messiah for actors, writers and technicians of alternative cinema in #India. He told stories differently. When I went to meet him to ask for a role during the making of #Mandi, he looked… pic.twitter.com/cRNhpRFgM4
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) December 23, 2024
Pained to know of Shyam Benegal ji’s demise. One of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/FGbMf0l0jO
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 23, 2024
Deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary Shyam Benegal. His contributions to Indian cinema are immeasurable and his legacy will live on through his incredible body of work.🙏 pic.twitter.com/x6ZuT6lqoM
— Kajol (@itsKajolD) 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
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
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
Shyam Benegal will forever be remembered for his powerful storytelling and beautiful movies that changed the cinematic course of India. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Rest in peace, sir!
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
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