Last updated:December 23, 2024, 21:23 IST
Legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who pioneered parallel cinema in India, has passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking films like ‘Ankur’ and ‘Bhumika’. Actor Amol Palekar, who collaborated with Benegal in ‘Bhumika’, paid tribute to him, calling him ‘the last Trojan horse’.
Veteran film director Shyam Benegal, a visionary of Indian parallel cinema, has died at the age of 90. Actor Amol Palekar hails him as “the last Trojan horse”.
Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of parallel cinema in India, passed away on Monday night at the age of 90. He was battling a chronic kidney-related illness and breathed his last at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai around 6:30 p.m., sources confirmed. His daughter Pia Benegal is leaving for India today. Known for groundbreaking films like Uncle, Manthan and Mandi, Benegal helped shape the Indian new wave of cinema in the 1970s and ’80s with his socially conscious storytelling and cinematic brilliance. played a very important role.
As condolences poured in from across the country, veteran actor Amol Palekar, who co-starred with Benegal in the critically acclaimed 1977 film Bhumika, paid tribute to the legendary director. Speaking exclusively to News18 Showsha, Palekar said, “The film industry should succumb to the last Trojan horse!” i will do it! ! “
Bhumika, directed by Benegal and starring Palekar in a key role, is considered one of the landmark films in Indian parallel cinema. Starring Smita Patil, Anant Nag, Naseeruddin Shah and Amrish Puri, the film is a major adaptation of the Marathi memoir Santhee Aika by Hansa Wadkar, a 1940s actress who led a glamorous and unconventional life. It is based on parts. Exploring themes of identity, self-actualization, and complex relationships, Palekar’s portrayal of Keshav Dalvi stands out for its nuanced depth.
The film received wide critical acclaim, won several national and international film awards, and stands as a shining example of Benegal’s ability to combine thought-provoking storytelling and artistic mastery.
Shyam Benegal’s contribution to Indian cinema is unparalleled. He has won Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Dadasaheb Phalke Award and 18 National Film Awards throughout his illustrious career. His other signature works such as Manthan, Zubeidaa and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero continue to be admired for their bold themes and innovative storytelling.
Born on December 14, 1934, Benegal was born in Hyderabad, from a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family. Encouraged by his father, Sridhar B. Benegal, a photographer, he developed a passion for filmmaking from an early age and made his first film at the age of just 12 using a camera gifted to him by his father. After completing his master’s degree in Economics from Osmania University, he founded the Hyderabad Film Society, marking the beginning of his legendary journey in the film industry.
Days before his death, Benegal celebrated his 90th birthday with his family and industry stalwarts, including Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. Although his death marks the end of an era, his extraordinary achievements will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and film lovers around the world.
