Shyam Benegal, the legendary filmmaker who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, passed away at the age of 90 on December 23, 2024. His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the film industry, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Kajol, and others. The veteran director, known for his impactful storytelling, was laid to rest on December 24, 2024, at the Shivaji Park Electric Crematorium in Mumbai with full state honours.
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Tributes from Bollywood Stars
Among the mourners were celebrated filmmakers, actors, and industry stalwarts. Gulzar, Naseeruddin Shah, Boman Irani, Divya Dutta, Shreyas Talpade, and Javed Akhtar were seen attending the funeral and paying their respects. Videos shared on social media captured the somber moments, with the Indian national flag draped over Benegal’s mortal remains. Amitabh Bachchan, a close colleague of Benegal, expressed his condolences on X and his blog, calling him a “stalwart of the Film Industry.”
Shyam Benegal’s five-decade-long career cemented his place as one of India’s most influential filmmakers. His debut in the film industry began with Ankur in 1974, followed by acclaimed films like Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977). Benegal’s work often focused on societal issues, and his films like Mandi (1983), Trikaal (1985), and Sardari Begum (1996) earned him both national and international recognition. His most recent work, Mujib: The Making of a Nation, was released in 2023.
A Final Tribute From Colleagues And Fans
On social media, fellow filmmaker Hansal Mehta wrote a heartfelt eulogy for the late director: “Go well Shyam babu. Thank you for inspiring many like me. Thank you for the cinema. Thank you for giving tough stories and flawed characters such amazing dignity. Truly among the last of our greats.” Akshay Kumar also paid his respects, calling Shyam Benegal “one of the finest filmmakers in our country.”
Just days before his passing, Benegal celebrated his 90th birthday, revealing that he was working on two to three new projects. Though he remained tight-lipped about the specifics, he mentioned they would be different from one another, with a focus on the big screen.
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Shyam Benegal’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. His legacy as a pioneering filmmaker will continue to influence future generations of filmmakers and cinephiles alike. He will be remembered for his powerful narratives and his unwavering commitment to telling stories that mattered.
