‘End of glorious chapter of cinema’: President, PM Modi condole Shyam Benegal’s demise

Last updated:December 24, 2024, 00:02 IST

The filmmaker breathed his last at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai.

Shyam Benegal passed away at the age of 90. (X)

famous filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away On Monday, at the age of 90, after suffering from a serious kidney ailment for several days. The filmmaker breathed his last at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai.

Leaders from all parties condoled Bengal’s demise, saying the filmmaker’s demise marks the end of a glorious chapter of Indian cinema.

President Draupadi Murmu condoled Benegal’s demise and highlighted his achievements, saying he started a new kind of cinema and produced many classics

“The demise of Shri Shyam Benegal marks the end of a glorious chapter of Indian cinema and television. He started a new kind of cinema and produced many classic films. A true institution, he groomed many actors and artists. His extraordinary contribution was recognized in the form of several awards including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Bhushan. “My condolences to his family members and his countless fans,” the president said in a post on Twitter.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed grief over the demise of Benegal and said, “Saddened by the demise of Shri Shyam Benegal ji. A Padma Bhushan recipient and a visionary filmmaker, his pioneering works significantly enriched the landscape of Indian cinema. Sri Benegal’s pioneering films addressed social realities with unmatched depth and sensitivity. His contribution to art, culture and storytelling will always be remembered with deep respect. My heartfelt condolences to his family and fans at this difficult time.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled Benegal’s demise, saying that the filmmaker’s storytelling had a deep impact on Indian cinema.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Shyam Benegal ji, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be praised by people from different walks of life. Condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti,” he said on X.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that Benegal’s tremendous contribution in the field of art has left an indelible mark.

“We are deeply saddened by the demise of the great filmmaker, Shyam Benegal, a towering figure of Indian cinema and a true pioneer of the parallel cinema movement. Marked by thought-provoking storytelling and deep commitment to social issues, his tremendous contribution to the field of art leaves an indelible mark. His works like ‘Bharat, Ek Khoj’ based on Pandit Nehru’s ‘The Discovery of India’ and the series ‘Samvidhan’ based on the Constituent Assembly debates are a valuable reference point for young audiences. Recipient of 18 National Film Awards as well as the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Awards, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans,” he said on X.

Congress leader and Lok Sabha leader Rahul Gandhi said the filmmaker’s legacy in cinema and commitment to social issues will inspire generations.

“Saddened by the demise of Shyam Benegal ji, a visionary filmmaker who brought India’s stories to life with depth and sensitivity. His legacy in cinema and commitment to social issues will inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and fans around the world,” he said on X.

Expressing grief over his demise, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “Saddened by the demise of our eminent filmmaker Shyam Benegal. A pillar of Indian parallel cinema, he is loved and admired by all connoisseurs. My condolences to his family, friends and followers.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also condoled the demise of the veteran filmmaker, saying it was an “irreparable loss” to the film industry.

In a post in Hindi on The Chief Minister said that Benegal’s unforgettable contribution was in giving Indian cinema a new and unique identity in the world. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant salvation to the departed soul and may his bereaved family and fans bear this immense grief. Give me the strength to do it!” he said.

Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi said Benegal was a true companion who communicated with the society and times through art.

“Shyam Benegal ji brought alive on screen the stories of pain, struggle and change of Indian society. The sensitivity of ‘Nishant’, the message of ‘Manthan’ and the philosophy of ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ – each of his creations is an inspiration. He was a true companion who communicated with society and time through art. Today an era of public voice in cinema has ended. Humble tribute,” he said on X.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “It is a sad occasion that famous director Shyam Benegal has passed away. He brought parallel cinema to the forefront. He received many national awards. His service to Indian cinema is incomparable and his passing is the end of an era. I pay my homage to the departed soul.”

Shyam Benegal’s career spanned more than five decades, cementing his position as a leading filmmaker in Indian cinema. He debuted in the film industry with the 1974 film Ankur. His subsequent films, such as “Nishant” (1975), “Manthan” (1976), and “Bhumika” (1977) cemented his reputation as an accomplished director, earning him numerous national and international accolades.

Later, Benegal also made several critically acclaimed films such as “Mandi” (1983), “Trikaal” (1985), and “Sardari Begum” (1996). His last release was Mujib: The Making of a Nation, which was released in theaters in 2023. ,