Shyam Benegal passed away on December 23 at the age of 90, leaving an irreplaceable void in the Indian film industry.
Director Mahesh Bhatt paid a heartfelt tribute to the late filmmaker, recalling the immense impact he had on Indian cinema. Talking to TOI, Bhatt described Benegal as a visionary whose films captured the raw struggles of ordinary people with unmatched sincerity and depth.
He said, “Shyam Benegal was a giant of Indian cinema. He told stories without pretense. They were raw and real, about the struggles of ordinary people. How can you forget Ankur, Manthan, or Bhumika? He showed the lives of simple people, living in silence and fighting battles without glory. His films had craft and conviction. He never lost sight of their core, the truth at their heart. He changed Indian cinema, not with noise, but with purpose. His legacy is more than his films. It is the quiet truth he lived every day. That truth will linger for a long, long time.”
Shyam Benegal’s films explored complex themes and featured powerful female characters, earning him several National Film Awards. He also created impactful documentaries and TV series like ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ (1988) and ‘Samvidhaan’ (2014), which delved into India’s Constitution. His legacy, rich in meaningful storytelling, continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences.
Shyam Benegal’s last film as a director was Mujib: The Making of a Nation, released in 2023. The movie tells the story of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh. Benegal was known for his powerful storytelling, which has had a major impact on Indian cinema.
