‘Loss to cinema and humanity’: PM Modi, Rahul and other leaders pay tribute to legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal | India News

NEW DELHI: Experienced filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of Indian parallel cinemadied at the age of 90 in Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai from chronic kidney disease. Known for classics like Ankur, Nishant and Manthan, Benegal’s contributions to Indian cinema left an indelible mark.
As news of his death arrived, tributes poured in from political leaders across the country, all reflecting on his monumental legacy and influence.
Expressing condolences on his death, Prime Minister Modi said, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Shyam Benegal Ji, whose stories had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works continue to be admired by people from different walks of life. His condolences go out to his family and “admirers”,

President Droupadi Murmu expressed his condolences and described his death as “the end of a glorious chapter of Indian cinema and television”.
“His exceptional contribution has been recognized with numerous awards including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Bhushan. My condolences go out to the members of his family and his countless admirers,” President Murmu said in a post on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences and described Benegal as a “pillar of Indian cinema”.
In a post on He was a pillar of Indian parallel cinema and was loved and admired by all connoisseurs. My condolences go out to his family, friends and supporters.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute to the visionary filmmaker and highlighted his ability to bring 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,” Rahul said in a post on X.

Congressman Shashi Tharoor took a personal approach in his tribute and shared childhood memories of Benegal’s days as an advertising professional. “I mourn the loss of #ShyamBenegal, a giant of Indian new wave cinema who left behind a remarkable cinematic achievement. My sisters and I had known him since we were children, when, as an advertising executive, he photographed them as the first “Amul Babies”. His influence will endure, but his death is an immense loss, for cinema and for humanity.” Tharoor wrote on X.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reflected on Benegal’s vast legacy and highlighted its contributions to art and social issues in a post to pay tribute to him.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian cinema and a true pioneer of the parallel cinema movement. His enormous contributions to the art form, characterized by thought-provoking storytelling and a deep commitment to social issues, leave an indelible mark. His works like Bharat, Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan are valuable reference points for young audiences,” Kharge wrote, pointing to Benegal’s awards including the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi highlighted the social and philosophical depth in Benegal’s films and called him a “true companion” who communicated with society through art. “The sensibility of Nishant, the message of Manthan and the philosophy of Bharat Ek Khoj – each of his creations is an inspiration. “Today marks the end of an era of public voice in cinema,” she wrote.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan praised Benegal as a “visionary storyteller”. In a post on
Shyam Benegals cinematic legacyincluding films such as Bhumika, Junoon and his latest biographical work, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), testify to his groundbreaking artistry and lasting influence on Indian cinema. As India mourns the loss of one of its most celebrated filmmakers, tributes from political leaders reflect the deep respect and admiration shown to him across generations.