“Benegal told raw and real stories about ordinary people” | India News

MUMBAI: The death of Shyam Benegal, the torchbearer of New wave cinemasparked lamentation across the film industry over the loss on Monday evening. It was Shyam Babu who discovered and mentored a generation of the best natural actors, including Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil and Om Puri parallel cinema movement with “Ankur” in 1974.
In fact, it was only on December 14 that the entire clan got together to celebrate Shyam Babu’s 90th birthday, with happy pictures from Azmi, Shah, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Prithvi Theater’s Kunal Kapoor, Divya Dutta and Rajit Kapur.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur wrote: “He created ‘new wave’ cinema. Shyam Benegal will always be remembered as the man who changed the direction of Indian cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He created stars out of great actors like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell, my friend and guide.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee, whose career was christened Zubeidaa by his prince’s act, called it a “heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema.” Shyam Benegal was not just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations.” Actor and singer Ila Arun said, “I feel like I have lost my father. It’s the end of a golden era of cinema.”
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt said, “Shyam Benegal was a giant of Indian cinema. He told stories without pretense. They were raw and real, about the struggles of ordinary people. His films were crafted and convincing. He changed Indian cinema, not through noise, but purpose.” Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra said, “Not many people talk about the fact that in his films there was a lament and a sadness that we didn’t live in the best of all possible worlds.”
People from all walks of life mourned him. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “Sad to hear of the demise of Shyam Benegal ji, a visionary filmmaker who brought India’s stories to life with depth and sensitivity. His legacy in cinema and his commitment to social issues will inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and admirers worldwide.” Congressman Shashi Tharoor recalled how Shyam Babu had photographed his sister and other children as “the first Amul babies” in his early years as an ad filmmaker. (With contributions from Swati Deshpande)