The celebrated Indian filmmaker turned 90

Shyam Benegal, a key figure in Indian cinema known for his incisive and socially conscious storytelling, died in Mumbai on Monday due to complications from chronic kidney disease, his daughter confirmed to India Today. He was 90.

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

Benegal began his career in advertising before switching to filmmaking, a move that would redefine Indian storytelling. His debut feature Ankur (1974) became a cornerstone of Indian cinema and won widespread acclaim for its unflinching depiction of social hierarchies and gender dynamics. The film, which screened at the Berlinale, won several Indian National Film Awards and launched the career of actress Shabana Azmi.

Over the years, Benegal’s work has covered a wide range of topics, 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 the ancient epic “The Mahabharata” with “Kalyug” (1981). A restoration of “Manthan” was screened at the Cannes Classics earlier this year.

Benegal’s films often explored themes such as social reform, cultural identity and the complexities of human relationships. His narrative style, characterized by authenticity and depth, gained 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 considered a seminal work of Indian historical fiction. Through this and other projects, he educated and entertained generations by seamlessly weaving history and culture into accessible narratives. His last film was “Mujib: The Making of a Nation” (2023), a biopic about the late Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

A mentor to many, Benegal has helped produce some of the best talent in the industry through his collaborations with actors, writers and technicians. Many of them – including Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah and Kulbhushan Kharbanda – were present at his 90th birthday celebration on December 14.

“He created the ‘new wave’ cinema. #shyambenegal 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 Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell, my friend and guide,” wrote “Elizabeth” filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “I am deeply saddened by the death 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. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Benegal is survived by his wife Nira and his daughter Pia.