Shyam Benegal passes away: PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu offer condolences

Indian cinema faced a significant loss on Monday with the news of veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal's passing. A trailblazer in Indian cinema, he breathed his last at the age of 90 at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital due to chronic kidney disease. The news of his demise quickly spread, leaving hearts broken. Social media was inundated with messages and posts honoring Shyam Benegal's contributions and expressing the deep void his absence leaves. Numerous prominent leaders, including our respected President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others, shared their heartfelt sorrow at this tragic loss.

President of India took to X (previously known as Twitter) and wrote,"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."

PM Modi wrote on X,"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."

Shyam Benegal is often hailed as the pioneer of India's Parallel Cinema Movement. His films from the 1970s and 1980s captivated audiences with their realistic and socially significant narratives. Among his notable works are Manthan, Bhumika, and Junoon, which garnered immense acclaim during that era.

He hails from a Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family in Secunderabad. In 1991, he received the Padma Bhushan for his remarkable contributions to the arts. Notably, Shyam Benegal is the cousin of the iconic Bollywood filmmaker Guru Dutt.