Renowned filmmaker, director, and screenwriter Shyam Benegal passed away on Monday at the age of 90 after battling a chronic kidney-related disease. He breathed his last at 6:30 PM at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, as confirmed by his daughter Pia Benegal.

Born on December 14, 1934, in Hyderabad, Shyam Benegal hailed from a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family. Inspired by his father, Sridhar B. Benegal, a passionate photographer, Shyam developed an early fascination for cinema. At the age of 12, he created his first short film using a camera gifted by his father. He pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from Osmania University, Hyderabad, where he also founded the Hyderabad Film Society, marking the beginning of his iconic journey in Indian cinema.

Benegal revolutionized Indian cinema with his socially relevant narratives and raw storytelling. His notable works include *Ankur*, *Manthan*, *Mandi*, *Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero*, *Zubeidaa*, and *Well Done Abba*. His films, deeply rooted in realism, addressed socio-political issues and earned him a revered position in the history of Indian parallel cinema.

Throughout his illustrious career, Benegal received numerous accolades, including 18 National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award, and a Nandi Award. In 1976, he was honored with the Padma Shri, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 1991. In 2005, he received India’s highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

His recent birthday, celebrated on December 14, was a heartwarming affair attended by stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Kunal Kapoor.

Shyam Benegal leaves behind an indelible legacy, inspiring generations of filmmakers and storytellers. His contributions to Indian cinema will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

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