‘End of Cinema’s Glorious Chapter’: President, Prime Minister Modi Condole Shyam Benegal Death

Last update:December 24, 2024, 00:02 IST

The filmmaker breathed his last at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai.

Shyam Benegal died at the age of 90. (x)

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

Leaders in party circles condoled Bengal’s death saying that the filmmaker’s passing away marks the end of a glorious chapter of Indian cinema.

President Draupadi Murmu applauded Benegal’s death and highlighted his achievements saying he started a new genre of cinema and designed many classics.

“The passing away of Shri Shyam Benegal marks the end of a glorious chapter in Indian cinema and television. He started a new genre of cinema and made several classics. A true institution, he trained many actors and musicians. His remarkable contribution was recognized in the form of many awards including Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan. I offer my condolences to the members of his family and to the many people who love him,” said the President in a letter to X.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed grief over the demise of Benegal and said, “We are saddened by the demise of Shri Shyam Benegal Ji. A Padma Bhushan recipient and a visionary filmmaker, his pioneering works greatly enriched the Indian cinema landscape. Shri Benegal’s harrowing films deal with social realities with unparalleled depth and sensitivity. His contribution to art, culture and storytelling will always be remembered with deep respect. My condolences to his family and those who love him at this difficult time.”

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

“We are deeply saddened by the passing away of Shri Shyam Benegal Ji, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from various fields. Condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti,” he said to X.

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

“We are deeply saddened by the passing away of legendary filmmaker, Shyam Benegal, a hero of Indian cinema and a true pioneer of the same cinema movement. His major contributions to the art form, marked by thought-provoking storytelling and deep 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’, based on the Constituent Assembly debates are an important point of reference for new audiences. A recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, as well as 18 National Film Awards, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers. We send our condolences to his family, friends and those who love him,” he told X.

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

“We are saddened by the passing away of Shyam Benegal ji, a filmmaker who brought India’s stories to life with depth and sensitivity. His legacy in cinema and commitment to social issues will inspire generations. Condolences from the heart to his loved ones and those who love him all over the world,” he said to X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the death and said, “We are saddened by the passing away of our legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal. A pillar of Indian parallel cinema, he was loved and respected by all professionals. My condolences to his family, friends and fans.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also condoled the death of the veteran filmmaker, saying it was an “irreparable loss” to the film industry.

In a post written on X in Hindi, Adityanath said, “The death of renowned film producer ‘Padma Bhushan’ Shri Shyam Benegal ji is deeply saddened and an irreparable loss to the world of cinema.” The chief minister said that Benegal had made an unforgettable contribution. -Indian cinema is a new and unique identity in the world “I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant salvation to the departed soul and give strength to his bereaved family and followers to bear this great sorrow! he said.

Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi said Benegal was a true friend who connected with society and time through art.

“Shyam Benegal ji brought out stories of grief, struggle and change in 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 friend who communicated with society and time through art. Today the era of public voice in cinema is over. A humble gift,” he said to X.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “It is a sad event that popular director Shyam Benegal passed away recently. He brought contemporary cinema to the fore. He received many national awards. His service to Indian cinema is unparalleled and his departure is the end of an era. I respect my departed soul.”

Shyam Benegal’s career spanned more than five decades, cementing his position as a pioneering filmmaker in Indian cinema. He made his debut in the film industry with the 1974 film Ankur. His next films, such as “Nishant” (1975), “Manthan” (1976), and “Bhumika” (1977), cemented his reputation as a talented director, earning him many awards at home and abroad.

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 theaters in 2023. .