Shyam Benegal, a pioneer filmmaker known for his films that masterfully weave the essence of social realism with parallel cinema, embodying profound and nuanced social reality, passed away on 23 December. This demise caused a fatal loss to Indian cinema.
Source- The Indian Express
Shyam Benegal’s demise
Shyam Benegal was an eminent filmmaker who died at the age of 90 because of chronic kidney disease. Because of his deteriorating and constant health issues, he was admitted to the Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai on 14 December, only a few days after he turned 90. After his death, many celebrities took to social media, mourning about the sudden loss and praying for his soul to rest in peace. His cremation was performed at the Shivaji Park Electric Crematorium in Mumbai. Many celebrities arrived to bid a last farewell to the director. Naseeruddin Shah, who has performed in many films directed by Shyam Benegal, was seen bidding an emotional goodbye.
Source- Frontline Magazine
About Shyam Benegal
Shyam Benegal grew up with cinema around him. His father was a photographer who made short films, and he was the second cousin of the film director Guru Dutt. He started as a copywriter in a small advertising agency but soon became a full-time film director.
Shyam Benegal was not only a film director but also a screenwriter and documentary filmmaker. He played a pivotal role in steering the Indian film industry towards parallel cinema, away from the conventional preoccupation, bringing the transformative wave. In 2005, he was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award in the field of cinema in India. Earlier in 1976, he received the Padma Shri from the Government of India for his remarkable contribution to the Indian film industry. In addition, he also received a National Film Award, a Filmfare Award, and a Nandi Award in recognition of his achievement.
Contributions
He revolutionized Indian cinema with his classic films, which were the epitome of sociopolitical realism. His films revolved around the social realities of unveiling the intricacies of everyday life from a transformative lens to the feminist concerns and the satires. Some of his great contributions were Ankur, which starred Shabana Azmi, which helped her start her career as an actor. Another film, Manthan, was based on the largest dairy development program in India. It was produced from the funds that were provided by 500,000 farmers, contributing Rs 2 each. His most recent work was Mujib: The Making of a Nation.
Shyam Benegal’s contributions left a profound and enduring mark on the Indian film industry. His films shed light on the critical issues of the society and resonated with the people far-flung in the country.
