Filmmakers Shekhar Kapur, Hansal Mehta and movie stars Manoj Bajpayee, Akshay Kumar and Kajol paid tribute to Shyam Benegal and described the veteran director as a master storyteller who redefined cinema and inspired generations with his films.
Benegal, one of the pioneers of the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s, died at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai on Monday due to chronic kidney disease.
Known for his debut film “Ankur” in 1974, films like “Mandi”, “Nishant”, “Mammo” and “Sooraj Ka Seventh Ghoda” explored social themes still relevant in the country through layered characters. Ki, the director recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Nine days ago on December 14.
Kapoor bid farewell to his “friend and mentor” in a post on Instagram.
Reactions to the death of filmmaker Shyam Benegal live
“He created ‘new wave’ cinema. #ShyamBenegal will always be remembered as the man who changed the direction of Indian cinema with Ankur, Manthan and countless other films. He gave birth to great actors like Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil Made a star.” the filmmaker wrote on the microblogging platform.
Addressing Benegal as Shyam Babu, as he was known by his friends and colleagues, Mehta thanked the filmmaker for being an inspiration.
Mehta wrote, “Thank you for cinema. Thank you for giving such amazing dignity to difficult stories and flawed characters. Truly one of our greatest.”
Bajpayee, who worked with the director in 2001’s “Zubaida”, said Benegal’s death is a “heartbreaking loss” to Indian cinema.
“Shyam Benegal was not just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined the genre of storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubaida was a transformative experience for me, allowing me to discover his unique style of storytelling. And a nuanced understanding of performance revealed.
“I will always be grateful for the lessons I learned under his direction. It was an utmost honor to have the opportunity to work with him. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched. Rest in peace Shyam Babu, Om Shanti,” the actor wrote on X.
Akshay Kumar said that he was saddened to know about Benegal’s death.
He said, “One of the finest filmmakers of our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti.”
In her Instagram Story, Kajol said that Benegal’s contribution to Indian cinema is “incomparable and his legacy will live on through his incredible work”.
Producer Karan Johar said on Instagram Story, “Thank you for your cinema… for the stories that shaped incredible talent and thank you for pushing the boundaries and instilling pride in Indian cinema.”
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra said that Benegal was the best in conveying “the poetry of ordinary faces and ordinary lives”.
He said in another article, “A lot will be written about Shyam Benegal but for me what hasn’t been talked about much is the fact that his films were about mourning and the fact that we live in all possible worlds. We weren’t living in the best world.” post on x
Mishra, who had spoken highly of the filmmaker while launching Atul Tiwari’s book on Benegal in Lucknow three days ago, said he couldn’t believe that the legend would be “leaving us so soon”.
Telugu superstar and politician Chiranjeevi also paid tribute to fellow Hyderabadi Benegal.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Shyam Benegal, one of the finest filmmakers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered and nurtured some of India’s brightest film talents.
“His films, biographies and documentaries are part of India’s greatest cultural treasure!! A fellow Hyderabadi and former Rajya Sabha member, Benegal Sab’s outstanding works will always be held in great esteem in Indian cinema! Rest in peace sir!!” He has written.
Director Rahul Dholakia said that he was lucky to meet Benegal, who was also his father’s friend.
“The father of art house/new wave/alternative or just great cinema – who gave us classics like Ankur, Manthan, Nishant, Mandi.. Junoon, Kalyug and many more.. #ShyamBenegal sir is no more – a good man, a gentle soul Soul and one of the finest filmmakers of India (sic)” said Dholakia.
Bengali star Prosenjit Chatterjee said on
published – December 23, 2024 11:06 PM IST
