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Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian cinema, passed away on Monday at the age of 90. His daughter, Pia Benegal, confirmed the news, stating that he succumbed to chronic kidney disease at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, where he passed away at 6:38 pm. Shyam Benegal had been battling this condition for several years, and it had worsened in recent times.

Benegal’s contributions to Indian cinema were profound, with a legacy that spans diverse themes, including feature films, documentaries, and television series. His pioneering work in realistic storytelling earned him a place in the pantheon of Indian cinematic greats, alongside the likes of Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak. Among his most significant works are landmark films such as Ankur (1974), Manthan (1976), and Bharat Ek Khoj (1988), a television series that traced the history of India, as well as Samvidhaan (2014), which explored the making of the Indian Constitution.

Benegal was a key figure in shaping India’s “New Wave” cinema, a movement that brought fresh perspectives and innovative narratives to the industry. His films were marked by a deep social consciousness and a commitment to portraying the complexities of Indian society. As a director, he had an eye for talent, helping to launch the careers of legendary actors such as Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil, both of whom became stars under his direction.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur paid tribute to Benegal in a post on X, describing him as the creator of “the new wave cinema,” emphasizing his role in changing the direction of Indian cinema. Kapur highlighted films like Ankur and Manthan, which exemplified Benegal’s revolutionary approach, and lauded his ability to transform great actors into cinematic icons.

Shyam Benegal is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, and daughter Pia. His final directorial project was the 2023 film Mujib: The Making of a Nation, which chronicled the life of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Shyam Benegal’s death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind a rich body of work that will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.