Uncomparable filmmaker Shyam Benegal, aged 90, passed away today in Mumbai. He died of kidney disease on 23 December 2024 and is survived by his daughter, Pia Benegal,a costume designer, who also worked for numerous films. Born on 14 December 1934, in Hyderabad to Sridhar B. Benegal who was prominent in photography , Shyam Benegal worked as an Indian film director, screenwriter and documentary filmmaker in both mainstream and art films. He earned widespread acclaim for its realism, depth, and storytelling excellence. He has received several accolades, including eighteen National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award and a Nandi Award. In 2005, he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in cinema. In 1976, he was honored by the Government of India with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honor of the country, and in 1991, he was awarded Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honor for his contributions in arts. Little Shyam Benegal, at the age of twelve years, made his first film on a camera given to him by his photographer father, Sridhar B. Benegal. Film director and actor Guru Dutt‘s maternal grandmother and Shyam’s paternal grandmother were sisters, thus making Dutt and Shyam second cousins. Shyam Benegal was renowned for directing iconic films such as Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, Bhumika, Junoon, Arohan, Mammo, Sardari Begum and Zubeidaa. Shajil Anthru, chairperson, K M Anthru Foundation, in a message told “Saddened by his demise; but he will live with us through his memorable and outstanding films.”
