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Shyam Benegal Death: Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of Indian parallel cinema, passed away on December 23, 2024, at the age of 90. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to Indian cinema, Benegal was battling chronic kidney disease. Just days earlier, on December 14, he had celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends from the film industry.

His demise has left a void in the world of cinema, and tributes poured in from Bollywood celebrities who remembered the visionary filmmaker and his legacy. Actor Akshay Kumar expressed his sorrow on social media, writing, “Pained to know of Shyam Benegal ji’s demise. One of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti.”

Manoj Bajpayee, who collaborated with Shyam Benegal in the film Zubeidaa, shared a heartfelt message: “A heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema. Shyam Benegal wasn’t just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience for me, exposing me to his unique style of storytelling and nuanced understanding of performances. I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons I learned under his direction. Rest in peace, Shyam Babu. Om Shanti.”

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur remembered Benegal as a trailblazer who revolutionized Indian cinema. He wrote, “He created ‘the new wave’ cinema. #ShyamBenegal will always be remembered as the man that changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan, and countless others. He created stars out of great actors like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell, my friend and guide.”

Actress Sonali Kulkarni shared her memories of working with Shyam Benegal on Well Done Abba. “I had the privilege of working with Shyam Babu on Well Done Abba, a film that showcased a delightful departure from his usual genre. Despite his reputation as a pioneer of Indian parallel cinema, he brought so much joy and laughter to the set."

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Sonali Kulkarni's Instagram stories on Shyam Benegal's passing (Image: Instagram)

Kulkarni, further wrote, "I vividly remember my first meeting with him when I was just 17 years old. My hands were shaking as I entered his office, which felt like a temple of Indian cinema. Despite his towering legacy, Shyam Babu spoke to me with such warmth. Witnessing his friendship with Govind Nihalani gave me a deeper understanding of their monumental contributions to Indian cinema. Every interaction with Shyam Babu made me feel like I was touching a piece of cinematic history. I deeply regret not being able to meet him on his 90th birthday but will forever cherish the moments I shared with him.”

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan also mourned Benegal’s demise, tweeting, “We have lost another stalwart of the Film Industry today. Shyam Benegal passes away. Prayers and condolences.”

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also took to X and wrote, "Go well Shyam babu. Thank you for inspiring many like me. Thank you for the cinema. Thank you for giving tough stories and flawed characters such amazing dignity. Truly among the last of our greats."

Shyam Benegal’s illustrious career was marked by multiple National Film Awards for movies such as Bhumika: The Role (1977), Junoon (1978), Arohan (1982), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2004), Manthan (1976) and Well Done Abba (2010). He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991, solidifying his position as one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers. His daughter, Pia Benegal, confirmed the news of his passing, stating, “Yes, he has died. The loss is too great.” Shyam Benegal’s contributions to cinema will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.

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Also Read: Renowned Filmmaker Shyam Benegal Passes Away At 90, Tributes Pour In For Pioneer Of Parallel Cinema