Renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pivotal figure in the country's parallel cinema movement, passed away on December 23, 2024, at the age of 90.
Born on December 14, 1934, in Tirumalagiri, Hyderabad State (now in Telangana, India), Benegal's career spanned over five decades, during which he directed critically acclaimed films such as "Ankur," "Nishant," "Manthan," and "Bhumika." His work was celebrated for its realistic portrayal of social issues and its departure from mainstream cinematic norms.
Benegal's contributions to Indian cinema earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1976, the Padma Bhushan in 1991, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2005, which is India's highest honor in the field of cinema.
He passed away at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai due to chronic kidney disease, a condition he had been battling for several years. His demise marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.