Just a week ago, on his 90th birthday on December 14, Shyam Benegal, the towering figure of Indian cinema who redefined storytelling with his parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s, reflected on his ongoing passion for filmmaking. “I’m working on two to three projects; they are all different from one another. It’s difficult to say which one I will make. They are all for the big screen,” he had shared, his creative spirit undiminished by age.
For Benegal, reaching the remarkable milestone of 90 wasn’t a cause for grand celebration but a day like any other. “We all grow old. I don’t do anything great on my birthday. It may be a special day, but I don’t celebrate it specifically. I cut a cake at the office with my team,” he had said, embodying the quiet humility that defined his life.
This understated approach to life and work was quintessential Benegal. Even as he faced the challenges of chronic kidney disease and regular dialysis, he remained immersed in his art. His passing on Monday at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indian cinema. Benegal’s legacy, however, continues to inspire, with his timeless films and unwavering dedication to meaningful storytelling serving as a guiding light for generations.
‘Unconventional’ filmmaker
Known for his ability to weave social realism with compelling storytelling, Benegal’s contributions to Indian cinema are unparalleled. Films like ‘Ankur’, ‘Manthan’, ‘Mandi’, and ‘Bhumika’ stand as enduring testaments to his genius, addressing themes of rural distress, feminist issues and the complexities of human relationships. This was the era of Hindi cinema when such themes were largely tagged ‘unconventional’ in nature. His unique voice brought gravitas to cinema, earning him a place among the country’s most celebrated auteurs.
On his 90th birthday, actors including Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah and Kulbhushan Kharbanda gathered to honor him. A photograph from that day, capturing a smiling Benegal with his protégés, serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of a man who gave these stars some of the finest roles of their careers.
The man behind ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’
Benegal’s oeuvre extended beyond cinema. His epic television series, Bharat Ek Khoj, based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s ‘Discovery of India’ and ‘Samvidhaan’, chronicling the making of the Indian Constitution, showcased his versatility. His documentaries and biopics, including ‘The Making of the Mahatma’ and ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero’, further cemented his reputation as a filmmaker of substance.
Despite his age and health struggles, Benegal remained active, working on multiple projects. Just last week, he spoke about his upcoming ventures and his enduring passion for cinema. Unfortunately for all cinema-enthusiasts, his dream of bringing the story of World War II agent Noor Inayat Khan to the screen may now possibly remain unfulfilled.
Cannes premiere of ‘Manthan’
Benegal’s ‘Manthan’, based on the milk cooperative movement, continues to inspire still. Restored and screened at Cannes Classics this year, the film epitomises his dedication to authentic storytelling.
Over his illustrious career, Benegal earned numerous National Awards, the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He also served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2006 to 2012, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema and public life.
Colleagues and admirers remembered him fondly. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur hailed him as the pioneer of the “new wave” cinema, crediting him for shaping stars like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. Director Sudhir Mishra reflected on the underlying lament in Benegal’s films, capturing the unfulfilled promises of a better world.
Tributes pour in
Tributes poured in from all corners of the nation. President Droupadi Murmu called him “a veritable institution” whose extraordinary contributions were recognised with honors such as the Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Benegal’s storytelling for its “profound impact on Indian cinema”, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge shed light on his commitment to social issues through thought-provoking narratives.
As the nation bids farewell to Shyam Benegal, his films remain immortal, continuing to inspire generations. The last rites will be held on Tuesday at Shivaji Park, Dadar, marking the end of an era but the continuation of a legacy that transformed Indian cinema forever.
