Renowned Filmmaker Shyam Benegal Passes Away

Renowned filmmaker and screenwriter Shyam Benegal (90) has passed away. Family members revealed that he had been suffering from kidney-related ailments for some time.

Known for his impactful Bollywood films such as Ankur, Bhumika, Nishant, Kalyug, and Manthan, Benegal made a significant mark in Indian cinema. Born on December 14, 1934, in Tirumalagiri, Hyderabad, he was honored with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Benegal’s debut film, Ankur (1974), which addressed themes of social disparity, poverty, and women’s rights, took him 14 years to get produced. Despite initial struggles, Blaze Film eventually backed the project.

Originally planned as a Telugu film, Benegal was persuaded to make Ankur in Hindi. Made on a modest budget of Rs 5 lakh, the film went on to collect Rs 1 crore, becoming a landmark success and earning widespread acclaim.