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Legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, pioneer of Indian parallel cinema, passes away at 90

Shyam Benegal's debut feature 'Ankur', set in the erstwhile Hyderabad spoke about caste, oppression, and exploitation by the feudal class.

South First Desk

Published Dec 24, 2024 | 10:40 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 24, 2024 | 10:40 AM

Shyam Benegal

Shyam Benegal

Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal, known for his contribution to parallel cinema in India, passed away on Monday, 23 December, while receiving treatment for kidney-related issues in Mumbai.

Born on 14 December, 1934, in Secunderabad, in erstwhile Hyderabad state, Benegal is celebrated for his realistic and socially relevant films that often address important issues within Indian society. His works are noted for their strong narratives, nuanced characters, and deep connection to India’s cultural and political landscape.

Known for many films, his debut feature Ankur, was also the debut of Indian actors Anant Nag and Shabana Azmi. The film set in the erstwhile Hyderabad spoke about caste, oppression, and exploitation by the feudal class.

Ankur won three National Film Awards and 43 other prizes, both in India and abroad. It was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 24th Berlin International Film Festival.

His other prominent works include  Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), Bhumika (1977), Mammo (1994), Sardari Begum (1996), and Zubeidaa (2001).

Nishant, set in rural India, dealt with social justice, feudalism, and the abuse of power, themes common in many of his films.

In the 80s, Benegal started his television journey with shows like Katha Sagar and Bharat Ek Khoj in Doordarshan.

Manthan at Cannes

Benegal’s third film Manthan was based on the White Revolution and the establishment of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF).

Aside from the great measurable success that this project had, it also demonstrated the power of “collective might” as it was entirely crowdfunded by 500,000 farmers who donated ₹2 each. It was also the first crowd-funded film in India.

At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the restored version of Manthan was screened. It also won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and Best Screenplay in 1977. It was also India’s official entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film that year.

Benegal’s Mandi (1983), was a satirical comedy about politics and prostitution, starring Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil.

In the 2010s, he told stories with satirical undertones, like Welcome To Sajjanpur (2010) and Well Done Abba (2010).

The filmmaker received the Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, along with 18 National Film Awards.

The director about two weeks back celebrated his 90th birthday, with the actors he had worked with.

The photo was shared by actor Shabana Azmi, who captioned the image, “Some of his actors with Shyam Benegal’s on his 90th birthday Mashallah.”

Condolences pour in 

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu took to X to express her condolences, “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 the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan. My condolences to the members of his family and his countless admirers, ” she wrote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and LoP Rahu Gandhi too expressed their condolences.

Crediting Benegal for the creation of “New wave cinema” director Shekar Kapur,  wrote “He 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 of great actors like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell, my friend and guide.”

BRS leader KTR too expressed his condolences.

(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)

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