Filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who died in Mumbai on Monday, was cremated with full state honours at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park Electric Crematorium on Tuesday.
A barrage of movie stars and people of the film world descended to pay their last respects to Benegal.
Shabana Azmi, a devoted admirer of Benegal and a celebrated actress who considered him her “guru,” had earlier shared the details of the cremation through a heartfelt post on Instagram.
Benegal passed away yesterday, December 23, at 6:38 PM, at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital. The 90-year-old filmmaker had been battling chronic kidney disease for several years, with his condition worsening in recent weeks. Confirming the news, his daughter Pia Benegal stated, “He passed away at 6:38 PM at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years, but it had gotten very bad. That’s the reason for his death.”
Shyam Benegal: A Pioneer of Indian New Wave Cinema
Shyam Benegal’s illustrious career is marked by his groundbreaking contributions to Indian New Wave Cinema. With films like Ankur (1973), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977), Benegal tackled social realism and set a new benchmark for Indian storytelling.
His remarkable portfolio extended to thought-provoking documentaries and iconic television series such as Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhan. His final major work, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), chronicled the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Celebrated Achievements of Shyam Benegal
Shyam Benegal’s contributions to Indian cinema earned him numerous accolades, including multiple National Film Awards:
- Ankur (1973): National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film.
- Manthan (1976): National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
- Trikal (1985): National Film Award for Best Director.
- Mammo (1995): National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005): Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.
Benegal’s legacy is one of artistic excellence and cultural exploration, with works such as Mandi, Sardari Begum, and Well Done Abba further solidifying his reputation as one of India’s most impactful filmmakers.
As the Indian film fraternity and admirers gather to bid farewell to this cinematic titan, Shyam Benegal’s unparalleled contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.
