SHYAM BENEGAL: THE STORY LIVES ON

Memories stay on forever: The cinematic icon with journalists

Shyam Benegal, the legendary filmmaker behind the Indian parallel cinema movement, passed away on December 23, 2024, in Mumbai from kidney-related complications. Born on December 14, 1934, Benegal’s illustrious career spanned six decades, earning him 18 National Awards, the Padma Bhushan (1991), and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2005).

Renowned for films like Ankur (1974), Manthan (1976), Nishant (1975), Mandi (1983), and Zubeidaa (2001), he is credited with introducing powerhouses like Shabana Azmi and the late Smita Patil to Indian cinema. A cousin of Guru Dutt, Benegal moved to Mumbai in the 1960s, crafting a new idiom for Hindi cinema while shaping the contours of India’s parallel cinema movement.

NOSTALGIC REFLECTIONS

In one of his last interviews during the promotion of Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), Benegal reflected on his birthplace, Hyderabad:

“I haven’t been to Hyderabad recently. I keep connection as I have a few friends residing there. But it’s been a long time. Most of my generation is no longer existing—they’ve passed on. There are places I loved, but everything has changed so fast. There are no familiar landmarks left for me that can pull me there."

Reflecting further, he had shared, “I’m not missing much of the historical things. But certain mohallas and bazaars—they were very familiar to me then—sab khatam ho gaye. Today, they don’t exist as they did, and I miss all that. I feel nostalgic, though I shall go sometime later."

MEMORIES FROM THE SET

Actor Neena Gupta shared vivid memories of working with Benegal, recalling her experiences on the sets of Ankur and Mandi.

On Mandi, she said, “For Mandi, all the actors stayed in Hyderabad for two months. Whether we had work or not, we had to be ready and travel two hours to the location. We played prostitutes, wearing shiny cholis, nylon sarees, and ribbons in our hair. Even when we didn’t shoot for days, we’d pass time playing volleyball and cards. I remember Pankaj Kapoor’s first shot happened only after a month!"

On Benegal’s leadership, she added, “He wasn’t strict, but we were scared of him. Once, I had a fever and wanted a break from a dance sequence. His assistant said, ‘Sir wants you to do it now.’ I thought he was cruel. But Shabana jee explained that he’s managing a hundred people, not just me. That’s when I understood his perspective—he was disciplined, not harsh."

FINAL FAREWELL

Shyam Benegal is survived by his wife, Nira, and daughter, Pia Benegal, who informed the media. His last rites took place at Shivaji Park Electric Crematorium. A stalwart of Indian cinema, Benegal’s contributions remain timeless, inspiring generations of filmmakers and cinephiles alike.