‘End Of Glorious Chapter Of Cinema’: President, PM Modi Condole Shyam Benegal’s Death

SOURCE ; NEW18

Last Updated:December 23, 2024, 23:02 IST

The filmmaker breathed his last at the Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai.

Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away at the age of 90 on Monday, after days of suffering from a chronic kidney-related disease. The filmmaker breathed his last at the Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai.

Leaders across the party lines condoled the death of Bengal saying that the passing away of the filmmaker marked the end of the glorious chapter of the Indian cinema.

President Droupadi Murmu condoled Benegal’s death and highlighted his achievements saying that he started a new kind of cinema and crafted several classics

“The passing of Shri Shyam Benegal marks the end of a glorious chapter of Indian cinema and television. He started a new kind of cinema and crafted several classics. A veritable institution, he groomed many actors and artists. His extraordinary contribution was recognised in the form of numerous awards including Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan. My condolences to the members of his family and his countless admirers,” the President said in a post on X.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed grief over the passing away of Benegal and said, “Saddened by the demise of Shri Shyam Benegal Ji. A Padma Bhushan recipient and a visionary filmmaker, his pioneering works greatly enriched the landscape of Indian cinema. Shri Benegal’s pathbreaking 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 admirers in this difficult hour.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death of Benegal saying that the filmmaker’s storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema.

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

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that Benegal’s tremendous contributions to the art form left an indelible mark.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary filmmaker, Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian cinema and a true pioneer of the parallel cinema movement. His tremendous contributions to the art form, marked by thought-provoking storytelling and a profound commitment to social issues, leave an indelible mark. His works like ‘Bharat, Ek Khoj’ based on Pandit Nehru’s ‘The Discovery of India’ and the series ‘Samvidhaan’, which is based on the Constituent Assembly debates are a valuable reference point for young audiences. Recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, along with 18 National Film Awards, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” he said on X.

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

“Saddened by the passing 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 admirers worldwide,” he said on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the death saying, “Saddened by the demise of our iconic filmmaker Shyam Benegal. A pillar of Indian parallel cinema, he was loved and admired by all connoisseurs. My condolences to his family, friends and followers.”

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

“Shyam Benegal ji brought alive on screen the stories of anguish, struggle and change of the 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,” she said on X.

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

Shyam Benegal’s career spanned over five decades, cementing his position as a pioneering filmmaker in Indian cinema. He made his debut in the film industry with the 1974 movie Ankur. His subsequent films, such as “Nishant” (1975), “Manthan” (1976), and “Bhumika” (1977), solidified his reputation as a masterful director, earning him numerous national and international accolades.

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