Legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal cremated with full state honours
The Indian film industry is in mourning over the death of cinematic genius Shyam Benegal, who revolutionized Indian parallel cinema. The legendary filmmaker left for his heavenly abode on December 23, 2024, at the ripe age of 90 years, leaving behind a rich legacy of groundbreaking films that reshaped the Indian storytelling landscape. Progressive in vision and content-driven narratives defined Benegal, whose death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema.
A Tearful Goodbye Shyam Benegal
Shyam Benegal was cremated with full state honours at the Shivaji Park Electric Crematorium in Mumbai on December 24, 2024. His mortal remains were covered with the Indian National Flag and a ceremonial band played his honour. The somber ambiance charged with emotion as his admirers, colleagues, and closest friends bid him an emotional adieu.
Naseeruddin Shah, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Boman Irani, and Shabana Azmi were among the many luminaries who attended the last rites of the man who had mentored generations of artists. Videos from the event brought out the emotional moment in which stars like these come together to do a tribute to this legend to celebrate his life.
Shyam Benegal was a story-teller through cinema to understand complex social realities as well as a film director. It is he who had founded Indian parallel cinema. His films always have authenticity, depth, and human stories at its core. Amongst other works that he has done, there are Ankur (1974), Mandi (1983), Zubeidaa (2001), and Nishant (1975) that are memorable because of fantastic stories and outstanding performances.
This was really unique from Benegal cinema, a challenge to society, though not below artistic merit, and he remained one of the torchbearers of progressive thoughts through his subtle style towards narration that encouraged so many filmmakers to follow worthwhile stories.
His daughter, Pia Benegal, confirmed that he passed away but was suffering from a chronic kidney-related illness. He died at 6:30 PM, December 23, Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai.
Apparently, that heart-wrenching news came just in time; across the nation lines tributes started pouring for late Madam. Laments star-kids of Bollywood, who topped the charts as well are Amitabh Bachchan, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Kumar along with Shabana Azmi with words of such solices at her demise over social media.
Here is what Shabana Azmi says describing him her guru:. He has been my guide everywhere, be it only the acting arena but more through what I see of the world itself. Shyamji was progressive, intelligent, and keen on learning.
While recounting the long list of films she’d made with him, Gauri still could reminisce fondly about the initial trip she undertook to the Berlin film festival when the curiosity of a history-culture maven Benagal will remain imprinted in her memory for all times.
Shyam Benegal has given much more than his movies to Indian cinema. He was a mentor who promoted and innovated talent. There are many actors, writers, and filmmakers whom he channeled through and whose careers he shaped. Parallel cinema created new paths under his tutelage, opened up unexplored avenues of Indian cinema, and dared to narrate stories.
His death will be such that cannot be replaced; his films, teachings, and vision will keep the hearts of generations to breathe with inspiration.
The loss to Indian film industry, indeed a blow to the art of story-telling world, is Shyam Benegal, who was a challenging filmmaker and, being a mentor to changing perception was a visionary who redrew cinema.
With tears in the eyes of both Bollywood and the nation bidding adieu, the legacy of his films still lives well with audiences worldwide. Goodbye, Shyam Benegal. Rest in peace. May your art and vision keep living on and on.
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