On December 23, 2024, Indian cinema lost one of its most revered figures, Shyam Benegal. The veteran filmmaker, celebrated for his pathbreaking contributions to Indian storytelling, passed away at the age of 89. Known as the father of the parallel cinema movement in India, Benegal’s work left an indelible mark on the country’s cultural and cinematic landscape.
With Shyam Benegal’s passing, Indian cinema has lost not just a visionary filmmaker but also a mentor, historian, and cultural icon. His body of work will continue to inspire generations of storytellers and remind the world of the power of cinema to drive social change. His contributions were deeply admired by many, including filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, who described Benegal as an “institution of direction.” Bhandarkar shared how Benegal’s ‘Kalyug’ had has been a major inspiration for his film Corporate and fondly recalled moments of praise and camaraderie, including their interactions at Cannes. As India mourns the loss of this luminary, his legacy will remain etched in the annals of cinema and culture, ensuring his spirit lives on through his extraordinary work.
Talking about the legendary filmmaker, Madhur Bhandarkar, who has given National Award-winning films, expressed, “The news of Shyam Benegal’s demise is deeply saddening to me. He was an institution of direction, a guiding light for filmmakers like myself. Ever since I began understanding films, I have been a devoted admirer of Shyam Babu’s work. His understanding of cinema was unparalleled, truly out of this world.”
Recalling Shyam Babu’s cheerful personality, Madhur shared,”Despite his age, he was always full of life. Whenever I met him, he never acted as an elder imposing his wisdom. Instead, he treated everyone as an equal, with warmth and cheerfulness.”
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“His films—’Manthan’, ‘Zubeidaa’, ‘Ankur’, ‘Kalyug’, ‘Mandi’, and many others—are masterclasses in filmmaking and invaluable learning guides for any filmmaker,”He shared as he admired the late filmmaker’s work.
“I admired everything he created, whether films or television shows; his work was always ahead of its time and awe-inspiring. I vividly remember a phone call from him after he watched my film ‘Corporate’. He had just stepped out of the theatre and praised my work, saying, ‘What a movie you have made, Madhur.’ I was overwhelmed and responded by sharing how his 1981 classic ‘Kalyug’ had greatly inspired my film,” Madhur recalled a phone call from Shyam Babu.
“Another cherished memory is when I called him to praise his Bengali film after watching it. He was so gracious and humble in his response. The last time we met was at Cannes a few years ago, and the memories are still fresh in my mind. He was lively, kind, and full of wisdom” he added.
“Shyam Babu’s legacy is timeless, and his work will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers,” Madhur concludes.
Born on December 14, 1934, in Hyderabad, Shyam Benegal was a storyteller par excellence who seamlessly blended art and social commentary in his films. His illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he broke conventional norms to create thought-provoking narratives that resonated deeply with audiences.
Benegal’s journey as a filmmaker began with Ankur in 1974, a groundbreaking film that dealt with social issues like feudalism, gender discrimination, and human desires. The film introduced Shabana Azmi, who went on to become a stalwart of Indian cinema, and won several accolades, including the National Film Award. This was followed by a series of cinematic masterpieces, each exploring complex themes with unmatched depth. Manthan (1976) highlighted the power of cooperative movements in rural India against the backdrop of the White Revolution. Bhumika (1977), inspired by the life of actress Hansa Wadkar, offered a layered exploration of the choices and complexities of a woman’s life. In 1981, Kalyug provided a modern take on the Mahabharata, delving into industrial conflicts with brilliance. Zubeidaa (2001) poignantly depicted the aspirations and struggles of a young woman, brought to life by Karisma Kapoor and Rekha. The satirical Mandi (1983) exposed societal hypocrisy surrounding brothels and sex workers. Benegal’s films stood out for their nuanced storytelling, strong female characters, and deep dive into social and cultural themes.
Shyam Benegal’s genius was not confined to feature films alone. He made significant contributions to Indian television, including the iconic series Bharat Ek Khoj in 1988. Based on Jawaharlal Nehru‘s The Discovery of India, this magnum opus traced the country’s cultural and historical evolution. Another notable work, Yatra (1986), combined travel and storytelling, presenting India’s landscapes and its people in an engaging narrative.
In addition to his films and television work, Benegal directed documentaries that captured various subjects, ranging from political leaders to cultural heritage and social reforms. His notable works include Nehru (1983), Satyajit Ray (1984), and The Making of the Mahatma (1996), each of which reflected his unparalleled ability to bring history and personalities to life.
