Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal, aged 90, passed away after a prolonged battle with kidney-related issues. He breathed his last at the Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai. Born in 1934 in Tirumalagiri, Hyderabad, Benegal made significant contributions to Indian cinema.
A graduate from the Government College in Secunderabad, Benegal went on to earn an MA in Economics from Osmania University. Over the years, Benegal earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award and multiple National Film Awards. He was honored seven times as the Best Director at the National Film Awards for his work in Hindi cinema. His films won a total of 18 National Film Awards.
Director and screenwriter #ShyamBenegal passes away at 90. He breathed his last at 6.30 pm at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai.
The timing of his last rites will be declared later. We extend our sincere condolences to friends, family and fans.#RIPShyamBenegal #News pic.twitter.com/T9Jm4LsUUg
— Filmfare (@filmfare) December 23, 2024
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991. Benegal made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film Ankur (1974), starring Anant Nag and Shabana Azmi. The film’s success marked a turning point in his career and earned him the Second Best Feature Film Award at the National Film Awards. His subsequent films Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika were also major successes, further establishing him as a leading filmmaker in Indian cinema.