Shyam Benegal, Acclaimed Indian Filmmaker, Dies at 90

Shyam Benegal, a pivotal figure in Indian cinema known for his incisive and socially conscious storytelling, died on Monday in Mumbai following a chronic kidney ailment, his daughter confirmed to India Today. He was 90.

His career, spanning over five decades, left an indelible mark on the film industry, blending art with activism and bridging the gap between mainstream and parallel cinema. He was instrumental in shaping India’s New Wave cinema movement, also known as Parallel Cinema, in the 1970s.

Benegal began his career in advertising before transitioning to filmmaking, a move that would redefine Indian storytelling. His debut fiction feature, “Ankur” (1974), became a cornerstone of Indian cinema, earning critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of social hierarchies and gender dynamics. The film, which played at the Berlinale, won multiple Indian National Film Awards and launched the career of actor Shabana Azmi.

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Over the years, Benegal’s body of work tackled a wide range of subjects, from rural empowerment in “Manthan” (1976) to women’s rights in “Bhumika” (1977), India’s first war of independence against the British in “Junoon” (1979) and a modern interpretation of ancient epic “The Mahabharata” with “Kalyug” (1981). A restoration of “Manthan” played at Cannes Classics earlier this year.

Benegal’s films often explored themes of social reform, cultural identity, and the complexities of human relationships. His narrative style, characterized by its authenticity and depth, earned him a loyal audience both in India and abroad.

In addition to his feature films, Benegal made significant contributions to television and documentary filmmaking. His series “Bharat Ek Khoj” (1988), based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s “The Discovery of India”, was widely regarded as a seminal work in Indian historical storytelling. Through this and other projects, he educated and entertained generations, seamlessly weaving history and culture with accessible narratives. His last film was “Mujib: The Making of a Nation” (2023), a biopic of late Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

A mentor to many, Benegal’s collaborations with actors, writers, and technicians helped nurture some of the finest talent in the industry. Many of them — including Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah and Kulbhushan Kharbanda — were present at his 90th birthday celebration on Dec. 14.

“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,” posted “Elizabeth” filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra 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 is survived by his wife, Nira, and daughter Pia.