Tributes to filmmaker Shyam Benegal

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who ushered in India’s parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s with films like “Ankur,” “Nishant” and “Manthan,” died in a Mumbai hospital on Monday, barely a week after he turned 90 . celebrated his birthday.

The filmmaker, who received the Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Awards and 18 National Film Awards, died of chronic kidney disease.

His films include Bhumika, Junoon, Mandi, Suraj Ka Satvaan Ghoda, Mammo and Sardari Begum, most of which are among the classics of Hindi cinema.

The director’s most recent work was the 2023 biopic “Mujib: The Making of a Nation.”

As news of the filmmaker’s death spread, tributes poured in from far and wide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the filmmaker’s storytelling “has had a profound impact on Indian cinema.”

“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. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” Prime Minister Modi said in his tribute.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said the filmmaker had “presented India’s stories with depth and sensitivity”.

“Sad to hear of the death 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,” Mr. Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

Director Shekhar Kapur said Shyam Benegal “will be remembered as the man who changed the direction of Indian cinema”.

“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 filmmaker Shekhar Kapur on X.

Director Hansal Mehta of Shahid’s Citylights fame addressed Benegal as Shyam Babu, as he was called by friends and associates, and thanked the filmmaker for his inspiration.

“Thank you very much for the cinema. Thank you for giving such amazing dignity to tough stories and flawed characters. Truly one of the last of our greats,” said Mr Mehta.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who worked with Shyam Benegal in 2001’s Zubeidaa, said the director’s death was a “heartbreaking loss” for Indian cinema.

“Shyam Benegal was not just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience for me, introducing me to his unique style of storytelling and nuanced understanding of performance.”

“I will forever be grateful for the lessons I learned under his leadership. It was an absolute honor to have had the opportunity to work with him. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched. Rest in peace. “Shyam Babu, Om Shanti,” Mr. Bajpayee said.

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra said Benegal was the best at expressing “poetry of ordinary face and ordinary life”.

“A lot will be written about Shyam Benegal but for me not many talk about the fact that in his films there is a lament and a sadness that we don’t live in the best of all possible worlds (sic),” he said in another Post on X

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, who heaped praise on the director while launching a book on Benegal by Atul Tiwari in Lucknow almost three days ago, said he could not believe that the veteran would “leave us so soon”.

Telugu superstar and politician Chiranjeevi also paid tributes to Benegal, a fellow Hyderabadi.

“I am deeply saddened by the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal, one of the finest filmmakers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered and nurtured some of India’s brightest film talent.”

“His films, biographies and documentaries are among India’s greatest cultural treasures!! Fellow Hyderabadi and former Rajya Sabha member Benegal Sab will always be held in high regard for his masterful works in Indian cinema! Rest in peace sir!!” wrote Chiranjeevi.

“Farewell to the legendary #ShyamBenegal, the master storyteller who redefined Indian cinema with his realism and depth. His films will continue to inspire generations. Rest in peace maestro,” said Bengali star Prosenjit Chatterjee on X.