Shyam Benegal: The Visionary Pioneer of Indian Parallel Cinema
Shyam
Benegal, the pioneer of Indian Cinema, has departed this world and transpired
into a realm beyond our reach. Tributes to Shyam Babu, as he was popularly
known to friends and colleagues, poured in on social media. President Droupadi
Murmu condoled his demise stating that his passing away marks the end of a
glorious chapter of Indian cinema and television.
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Shyam Benegal |
Iconic Films That Shaped Indian Cinema
Filmmakers
like Shyam Benegal are rare gems, appearing only once in a generation. His
nuanced exploration of socio-political themes in cinema makes viewers ponder.
His films reflect the reality, vision, dreams, and wisdom of Indian society.
Benegal’s realistic, socially engaging cinema made him a pioneer of the 1970s
parallel cinema movement in India.
His
first four feature films – Ankur
(1973), Nishant
(1975), Manthan (1976),
and Bhumika (1977)
took him to new heights.
Ankur
explored the feudal divide in India, while Manthan was based on Verghese
Kurien's milk cooperative movement. The iconic song "Mero
Gaam Katha Parey," featuring Smita Patil still echoes in the
hearts of film lovers. Benegal funded the film entirely through farmers
donation, making Manthan the first-ever crowdfunded movie of India.
His
other films Bhumika,
Junoon, Mandi, Suraj Ka Satvaan Ghoda, Mammo, and Sardari
Begum, are considered classics in Hindi cinema. Mr Benegal’s films were not a mere creation,
but they were movements that had a lasting impact on Indian society. The impact
resonates to this day. He directed films that challenged the mainstream
Bollywood.
Benegal
along with along with journalist and screenwriter Khalid Mohammed projected the
struggles of Muslim women in his iconic trilogy- Mammo (1994), Sardar Begum (1996),
and Zubeida (2001).
From
Big Screen to Television: A Visionary’s Journey
The
gradual downfall of the Parallel movement in Indian cinema made him turn
towards TV. His work Bharat Ek Khoj based on the book Discovery of India,
written by Jawaharlal Nehru was widely acclaimed. The 53-episode series
documenting the country’s journey from ancient times to modernity became a big
hit on Television. He was awe struck by Nehru’s charisma and remained his
appreciator.
His
recent project includes a 2023 biopic on the founding father of Bangladesh,
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His other biopics include The Making of
the Mahatma and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero. He was
also very enthusiastic about directing the biopic of Noor Inayat Khan, a secret
WW II agent. However, this dream of Benegal will sadly remain unfulfilled.
A
Mentor to Generations of Actors
Benegal
was a guiding light for acclaimed Bollywood stars. He groomed many artists and
actors including Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, and Om Puri.
Addressing his demise, Naseeruddin Shah posted on X, “I have lost my foster
father, a man to whom I owe more than I can say”.
Also read about: Hema Committee Report
Celebrating
a Career of Cinematic Excellence
Benegal
born in December 1934 in Karnataya, he grew up in Hyderabad and attended Osmania
University. Even though he began his career as a copywriter for an advertising
company. But he was tailored for cinema and moved towards filmmaking,
Benegal
has established the Hyderabad Film Society. In his life, he made a total of 24
films and 45 documentaries.
Honored
and Remembered
The
Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma
Bhushan in 1991. He has also received several national awards, the Nandi Award,
and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Additionally, he has served as a member of the
Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2012.
Not
only as a film director and screenwriter, but Bengal left his mark in the
industry as the National Film Development Corporation’s director. He also
served as a jury in several international film festivals, where he promoted
Indian cinema on global media.
Even
at the age of 92, he was aspiring for more creations and films that would
inspire generations. However, his health did not cooperate with him and he
passed away in Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital due to chronic kidney disease.
Benegal is survived by his wife Nira and daughter Piya.