Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away at the age of 90. He died today at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai due to chronic kidney disease.
Benegal was a pioneer of India’s New Wave cinema, known for his socially conscious and thought-provoking films that reshaped storytelling in the country.
Born on December 14, 1934, in Hyderabad, he was the second cousin of the legendary Indian auteur Guru Dutt.
Benegal started his career as a copywriter and made his first documentary film in Gujarati, “Gher Betha Ganga,” in 1962. His first four feature films, “Ankur” (1973), “Nishant” (1975), “Manthan” (1976), and “Bhumika” (1977), made him a pioneer of the new-wave film movement.
Throughout his illustrious career, he received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1976, the Padma Bhushan in 1991, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Benegal’s work in fusing Indian classical music with elements of jazz and other genres has left an indelible mark on the music world.
His passing is a significant loss to the film community, and his legacy will continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences worldwide.
