Shyam Benegal, a beloved Indian film director, has passed away at the age of 90. His daughter, Pia Benegal, shared the sad news with the Hindustan Times. She said, “Yes, he has died. The loss is too great.”
Just a few days ago, Shyam celebrated his 90th birthday in Mumbai with family and close friends. One of his most famous actors, Shabana Azmi, posted a picture from the celebration online, which also included actor Naseeruddin Shah.
Benegal was known for his unique films that challenged the usual style of Indian movies. He focused on real-life stories and social issues, helping to shape the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s. He won many National Awards for films like “Bhumika,” “Junoon,” “Arohan,” and “Well Done Abba.”
On his birthday, he spoke to the media, saying, “We all grow old. I don’t do anything special for my birthday. I just cut a cake with my team at work. I am working on a few different projects, but I haven’t decided which one I’ll make next.”
His last film was the 2023 biographical drama “Mujib: The Making of a Nation.” Earlier this year, one of his best-known films, “Manthan,” was shown at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, a restored version from 1976, tells the story of the milk cooperative movement in India.
Benegal had to miss the premiere due to health issues. He fondly remembered how the farmers in Gujarat supported “Manthan” by watching it in theaters together.
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