New Delhi, December 24 (UITV) – Renowned film director, script writer and producer Shyam Benegal died on Monday in Mumbai at the age of 90. His death is an irreparable loss for Indian cinema. Shyam Benegal’s last rites will be performed on Tuesday. President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many other prominent leaders expressed condolences after the news of his death and remembered his contribution.
President Draupadi Murmu condoled the death of Shyam Benegal and said that his death has ended a glorious chapter of Indian cinema and television. President Murmu said that Shyam Benegal started a new style of Indian cinema and made many ‘classic’ films. The filmmaking done by him had a new approach, which reflected social, political and cultural issues with sensitivity and depth.
On social media platform X, the President recognised the extraordinary contribution of Shyam Benegal and wrote, “As a true institution, he groomed many actors and artists. His exceptional contribution was recognised with many awards including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Bhushan. My condolences to his family and his countless fans.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep grief over the demise of Shyam Benegal. He wrote on social media, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Shyam Benegal. His storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life. Condolences to the Benegal family and fans. Om Shanti.” Prime Minister Modi lauded Shyam Benegal’s contribution to cinema and saw his filmmaking style as an important part of Indian cinema.
- Advertisement -
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also condoled the demise of Shyam Benegal and said, “Saddened by the demise of Shyam Benegal. A Padma Bhushan awardee and visionary filmmaker, his pioneering works greatly enriched the landscape of Indian cinema. Benegal’s 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 in this difficult time.”
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also condoled the death of Shyam Benegal and said, “I condole the death of renowned film director, screenwriter and producer Shyam Benegal. Shyam Benegal played an important role in establishing Indian cinema on the world stage. The demise of Benegal, who was awarded many prestigious national and international awards, is an irreparable loss to the art and film world. May God grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family and fans.”
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also condoled the death of Shyam Benegal and said, “I am saddened by the demise of visionary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, 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 fans and admirers across the world.”
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also paid tribute to Shyam Benegal and said that Shyam Benegal brought alive on screen the stories of anguish, 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. Priyanka Gandhi said that today an era of public voice in cinema has ended.
Describing Shyam Benegal’s death as an irreparable loss, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said, “The death of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee famous film director, screenwriter and producer Shyam Benegal is very sad. His death has caused irreparable loss to the film and art world. I pray to God for the eternal peace of the departed soul.”
Expressing condolences on the demise of Shyam Benegal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “The demise of eminent film producer-director ‘Padma Bhushan’ Shyam Benegal is extremely sad and an irreparable loss for the cinema world. He had an unforgettable contribution 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 give strength to his bereaved family and fans to bear this immense grief.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed grief over the demise of Shyam Benegal and said, “It is very sad to hear the news of the demise of famous film director Shyam Benegal. He brought parallel cinema to the forefront. He received many national awards. His service to Indian cinema is incomparable and his departure is the end of an era. I pay tribute to the departed soul.”
Adani Foundation Chairperson Preeti Adani also expressed grief over the demise of Shyam Benegal. He wrote in a post on social media, “Shyam Benegal’s demise marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. A consummate storyteller, his films combined art and reality, gave voice to the unheard and shaped the golden age of parallel cinema. His legacy will continue to inspire filmmakers and cinema lovers.”
Shyam Benegal’s daughter Pia Benegal said that his father was suffering from kidney disease for a long time. He said, “Both his kidneys failed two years ago and since then he was undergoing treatment with dialysis.” Shyam Benegal’s death has sent a wave of grief in the film industry as well as his family and fans.
Shyam Benegal is known for his contribution to Indian cinema. He holds the record for winning the most National Awards. He has been awarded this prestigious award for eight films. His films depicted social and political issues without any hesitation and brought alive the changes in Indian society on the silver screen. Films like ‘Nishant’, ‘Manthan’, ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ and ‘Subah’ became the distinctive identity of his cinema. Shyam Benegal played an important role in the parallel cinema movement of Indian cinema, which remains a source of inspiration even today.
The sensitivity, depth and commitment to society of Shyam Benegal’s films established him as a great director of Indian cinema. His contribution will always be remembered and the impact of his films will last for generations to come.
