Shyam Benegal’s death reactions LIVE: Executives pay tribute to the veteran filmmaker

Born on 14 December 1934, in a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family in Hyderabad, Benegal collaborated extensively with actors from FTII and NSD, including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Amrish Puri.

His films left an indelible impact on audiences and addressed relevant socio-political themes with remarkable depth. For example, Junoon (1979), based on Ruskin Bond’s A Flight of Pigeons, is a tumultuous epic set during India’s freedom movement. Featuring a forbidden love story between a British woman (Nafisa Ali) and a passionate Pathan (Shashi Kapoor), the film remains one of Benegal’s finest works, celebrated for its sweeping visuals and emotional intensity.

Similarly, Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (1992), adapted from Dharamvir Bharti’s novel, presented a unique narrative structure as a bachelor (Rajit Kapur) tells stories of three women from different walks of life who influenced his life. Each character was distinct and symbolized the diverse structure of society.

Benegal also explored intersectional feminism long before it became a mainstream discourse. His film Bhumika, inspired by the memoirs of Marathi actress Hansa Wadkar, delved into themes of personal identity, feminism and relationship conflicts. Mandi (1983), another milestone, offered a satirical commentary on prostitution and politics, depicting a brothel’s struggle against societal and political pressures.

His films also won international acclaim. Manthan (1976), inspired by Verghese Kurien’s pioneering milk share movement, made waves globally and was screened at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The film’s premiere was attended by luminaries such as Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Prateik Babbar and members of the Kurien and Patil families.

Benegal’s latest project, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), was an India-Bangladesh co-production that depicted the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founder. The biopic, shot extensively in both countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, added another feather to his illustrious cap.

In addition to feature films, Benegal contributed significantly to documentaries and television. His iconic serials Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan remain benchmarks in Indian television. He also served as director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986 and was a member of prestigious juries including the 14th Moscow International Film Festival (1985) and the 35th National Film Awards (1988).

Throughout his career, Benegal received several awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor in cinema.

Shyam Benegal’s contribution to Indian and world cinema will continue to inspire generations to come. — ANI