Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal breathed his last on December 23 at 6:30 pm, leaving behind a legacy of iconic films including Ankur, Manthan and Zubeidaa. He was 90.

According to reports, Benegal had been battling kidney-related issues and undergoing treatment at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai. The news of his passing was confirmed by his daughter Pia Begegal to India Today Digital.

Just days before his death, Benegal celebrated his 90th birthday with a grand bash. The star-studded party was attended by close friends and family including actors Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Naseeruddin Shah, Divya Dutta, Shabana Azmi, and Rajit Kapur, among others.

About Shyam Benegal

Shyam Benegal’s journey as a filmmaker began with the iconic film Ankur (1974), starring Anant Nag and Shabana Azmi. This powerful debut earned him the National Film Award and set the tone for his future projects.

Benegal’s next masterpiece, Nishant (1975), showcased his exceptional storytelling skills, featuring a talented ensemble cast, including Girish Karnad, Shabana Azmi, and Naseeruddin Shah. This film not only earned a nomination for the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes but also cemented Benegal’s position as a master filmmaker.

Through his work, Benegal proved that filmmaking is not just about telling stories, but about leaving a lasting impact on audiences. His legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and cinema lovers alike.

More awards and accolades

In the year 2005, Shyam was felicitated with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in the field of cinema. Later in 1976, he was honoured by the Government of India with the fourth-highest civilian honour of the country, Padma Shri. In 1991, he was awarded thye Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour for his contributions in the field of arts.