Veteran filmmaker Shyam Sunder S Benegal, a multiple National Award winner and among the pioneers of ‘parallel cinema’ – with silver screen classics, passed away in a private hospital in city after a long battle with a kidney disease, his family said here on Monday.
He is survived by his wife Nira Benegal and daughter Pia Benegal.His last rites will be performed on Tuesday in Mumbai.
The 90-year-old veteran director, known for his significant contributions to Indian cinema, was recognised by the Government of India with the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991 for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Shyam Benegal was renowned for directing iconic films such as Ankur (1973), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), Bhumika (1977), Mammo (1994), Sardari Begum (1996), and Zubeidaa (2001), among many others.
His work was celebrated for its deep social commentary and realistic portrayal of Indian society.
Born in Hyderabad on December 14, 1934, Benegal belonged to a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahman lineage. At the tender age of 12, the little Shyam had shot a film using a camera presented by his father photographer, who inspired and nurtured his interest in film-making that became his career for over six decades.
Later, Benegal went onto study MA (Economics), founded the Hyderabad Film Society, and later started his career in 1959 as a copywriter with Lintas Advertising Agency in Mumbai, where he rose to be the Creative Head, with over 900 ad films and sponsored documentaries under his belt.
In 1962, Benegal made his first Gujarati documentary film, “Gher Betha Ganga” (Ganga At Doorsteps), taught at the prestigious Film & Television Institute of India from 1966-1973, and later served as its Chairman twice (1980-1983 & 1989-1992).
With over 70 documentaries and short films to his credit, and a stint in the USA, Benegal made his first full-length Hindi feature film, “Ankur” (1974), that shot him to fame, bagging three National Awards, another 43 national-international awards or honours.
Tributes poured in for Benegal on social media from actors, actresses, politicians ;producers, directors, his colleagues in the Indian and international film fraternity, media groups and his legion of fans and admirers.
Governor of Maharashtra, C P Radhakrishnan, expressed profound sorrow over the passing of veteran filmmaker, director, and screenplay writer Padma Bhushan Shyam Benegal.
In his condolence message, the Governor wrote: "Shri Shyam Benegal belonged to the rare league of exceptionally brilliant filmmakers who made an indelible mark on the world of cinema through his pioneering contributions to parallel cinema. His masterpieces like Ankur, Nishant, and Manthan showcased his courage in portraying social realities. He also gifted the nation the iconic television series Bharat Ek Khoj, which beautifully connects the viewers with our glorious past.
"With his demise, India has lost a genius filmmaker who inspired generations of storytellers. I pay my homage to Shri Shyam Benegal and convey my deepest condolences to his family and admirers."(UNI)
