Indian Cinema has lost another jewel, the veteran Director and an institution in himself, Shyam Benegal who breathed his last on Monday just after his 90th Birthday in Mumbai. He was admitted to ICU at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years, which became the reason for his death.

Legendary filmmaker, Shyam Benagal is known to make classics like Bharat Ek Khoj which was an adaptation of Jawaharlal Nehru’s Discovery of India, and Samvidhaan, a show  on the making of the Constitution. He revolutionised Hindi cinema with social realism and powerful storytelling.

His contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered for his socially relevant and thought-provoking films. He heralded a new era in Hindi cinema with the ‘parallel movement’ in the 1970s and 1980s with classics such as Ankur and Manthan followed by Mandi, Mammo and Zubeidaa in the 90s.

In his career span of almost seven-decade Benegal tackled diverse worlds, issues and mediums right from feminist concerns to rural subjects, drawing biotics and sharp satires on the vast canvas of documentaries, films, and epic television shows.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as filmmakers Shekhar Kapur, Hansal Mehta, and cine stars Manoj Bajpayee, Akshay Kumar, and Kajol paid tributes to the legendary filmmaker. Also, Actors Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Rajit Kapoor, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Divya Dutta, and Kunal Kapoor who were part of his 90th birthday nine days ago of his demise, pay him a heartfelt tribute.

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday expressed her condolences. Taking to X, she wrote, "His extraordinary contribution was recognised in the form of numerous awards including Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan. My condolences to the members of his family and his countless admirers."

PM Narendra Modi expressed how deeply saddened he is on getting the news. He shared that Shyam Benegal’s storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. he wrote on X, “His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers."

Shabana Azmi who began her career with Benegal with Ankur considered him as her Guru, pays her tribute to the legendary filmmaker describing him as progressive and well-informed filmmaker. She said," He opened me up in different ways. When we went to the Berlin festival, he would say, 'Let's watch this film for this reason'. So he was like a guru to me,"

Veteran Actor Naseeruddin Shah mourns his death and remembers Shyam Benegal, saying, "What I would have become if he hadn't had faith in me when one else did. He and Nira (Benegal, Shyam Benegal's wife) were a huge support in my difficult days."

Manoj Bajpayee on Zubeidaa Director Shyam Bengal wrote ,"It Took Shyam Benegal's genius to see me beyond my looks. Shyam Benegal wasn't just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations"

Filmmaker and actor Nandita Das, recalls all the praise she received from Bengal after watching her films especially 'Zwigato' .She shared pictures with Benegal on Instagram wrote," With him an era has ended".