Akshay Kumar, Kajol, Chiranjeevi And Others Mourn Death Of Shyam Benegal
Several celebrities expressed grief over the death of legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal. He died on December 23, at the age of 90.
Legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal died on December 23, aged 90. Just few days ago, he had celebrated his birthday in the presence of close friends and family members. Shyam Benegal's daughter Pia Benegal confirmed the news of her father's death to Hindustan Times. “Yes, he has died. The loss is too great,” she said. "He had been unwell for few years. Had chronic kidney disease. It had become severe and we knew this would happen. He passed away today at 6.38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital Bombay Central," she added.
Several members from the film fraternity have now expressed their grief over his death. Akshay Kumar took to social media to say, "Pained to know of Shyam Benegal ji’s demise. One of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti."
Pained to know of Shyam Benegal ji’s demise. One of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/FGbMf0l0jO
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 23, 2024
Manoj Bajpayee, who worked with Shyam Benegal on 'Zubiedaa', called the filmmaker a "visionary" who "redefined" storytelling. He also reflected on collaborating with the director for Zubiedaa, co-starring Karisma Kapoor.
A heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema. Shyam Benegal wasn’t just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience for me, exposing me to his unique style of storytelling & nuanced… pic.twitter.com/EH0eosqkAR
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) December 23, 2024
Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi also took to his X handle to offer his condolences. "Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal,one of the finest film makers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered & nurtured some of the brightest film talents of India. His films, biographies and documentaries form part of India’s greatest cultural treasure!! A fellow Hyderabadi & former Rajya Sabha member, Benegal Sab’s masterful works will always be held in great esteem in Indian Cinema!”
Bollywood actress Kajol wrote, "Deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary Shyam Benegal. His contributions to Indian cinema are immeasurable and his legacy will live on through his incredible body of work.”
For the unversed, Shyam Benegal won multiple National Awards for movies such as 'Bhumika: The Role' (1977), 'Junoon' (1978), 'Arohan' (1982), 'Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero' (2004), 'Manthan' (1976), and 'Well Done Abba' (2010).
He was also honoured with the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991.
