Renowned filmmaker and screenwriter Shyam Benegal, a pioneer in Indian cinema, passed away on Monday, December 24, 2024. The legendary director, who had been struggling with chronic kidney disease, died at the age of 90 while he was fighting for his life at the Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai. His demise left the film fraternity mourning, with heartfelt tributes flooding in from the entertainment industry.
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Big B Pays Tribute To Shyam Benegal
Renowned film star Amitabh Bachchan seemed taken aback by the demise of Benegal, who was celebrated for his iconic films such as Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika. Taking it to his X account, Big B wrote, “We have lost another stalwart of the Film Industry today ..Shyam Benegal passes away ..Prayers and condolences.”
T 5233 – We have lost another stalwart of the Film Industry today ..
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 23, 2024
Shyam Benegal passes away ..
Prayers and condolences 🙏
Besides him, Manoj Bajpayee who has been lucky enough to have worked with and under Benegal penned a long heartbreaking note for the veteran filmmaker. The message on X read, “A heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema. Shyam Benegal wasn’t just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience for me, exposing me to his unique style of storytelling & nuanced understanding of performances. I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons I learned under his direction. It was an absolute honor to have had the opportunity to work with him. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched. Rest in peace Shyam Babu, Om Shanti“. Bajpayee worked in Shyam Benegal’s film Zubeidaa featuring Karisma Kapoor in a significant and poised role. Kareena Kapoor also expressed condolences on her instagram story as she shared a poster of the film Zubeidaa.
A heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema. Shyam Benegal wasn’t just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience for me, exposing me to his unique style of storytelling & nuanced… pic.twitter.com/EH0eosqkAR
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) December 23, 2024
Must Read: Shyam Benegal, Revolutionary Filmmaker Passes Away At 90
Khiladi actor Akshay Kumar also turned up to express deep sorrow to the situation, as he labelled him as “one of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend” in his post.
Chiranjeevi Expresses Grief
Shyam Benegal’s cinematic vision, often rooted in impactful socio-political narratives, which had an everlasting impression on audiences. Superstar Chiranjeevi also came out to express his condolences during the moment of grief as he penned down on his X with, “Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal,one of the finest film makers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered & nurtured some of the brightest film talents of India. His films, biographies and documentaries form part of India’s greatest cultural treasure!! A fellow Hyderabadi & former Rajya Sabha member, Benegal Sab’s masterful works will always be held in great esteem in Indian Cinema!“
Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal,one of the finest film makers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered & nurtured some of the brightest film talents of India. His films, biographies and documentaries form part of India’s greatest cultural…
— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) December 23, 2024
The entire industry is in a state of deep shock and individuals from the industry are continuously puring in tributes to the deceased and his family. Anupam Kher, Karan Johar, Kajol, Subhash Ghai, Shabana Azmi and many more have shared their grieving stories and tweets on social media, offering condolences to the director.
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