Shyam Benegal: Pioneer of parallel cinema, producer of ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’
Indian cinema mourns the demise of parallel cinema pioneer Shyam Benegal, who passed away at the age of 90. Known for socially reflective films like Ankur and Manthan, his legacy spans six decades of storytelling.
Days after turning 90, renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal died on Monday 6:30 pm. He was suffering from kidney related problems.
A pioneer of the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 80s, Benegal created a body of work that is noted for its social realism and commentary on Indian society. His films broke the conservative conventions of mainstream cinema. In films like Ankur to Mandi, Benegal weaved stories keeping women at the center.
After celebrating his 90th birthday earlier this month, Benegal had told news agency PTI That he was working on two to three projects.
“I am working on two to three projects; They are all different from each other. Hard to say which one I’ll make. They are all for the big screen,” said Benegal, whose most recent film was the 2023 biopic Mujib: The Making of a Nation.
Shyam Benegal’s parallel cinema
As a renowned filmmaker, Benegal was known for his contributions to parallel cinema. Born on December 14, 1934 in Hyderabad, Benegal has had a career spanning over six decades, during which he has left a significant mark in Indian cinema.
Benegal’s filmography is diverse, his works reflect his deep engagement with society and history. Her early works, beginning in the 1970s, explored themes of social realism, highlighting complex issues such as class conflict, caste discrimination and the challenges faced by women in Indian society.
He is known for films like sprout (1974), Nishant (1975), churn (1976), and Role (1977). These films, produced under the banner of Indian New Wave or Parallel Cinema, departed from mainstream Bollywood films of the time, opting for a more grounded and contemplative approach.
churnOne of his most famous works, based on the story of the co-operative dairy movement. It drew attention to rural issues and farmers’ struggles.
RoleAnother notable work of hers, highlights the life of a famous actress, portraying the complexities of fame, personal identity and societal expectations of women.
india a discovery
Apart from directing, Benegal also worked as a screenwriter and editor, showcasing his versatility in filmmaking. He expanded his reach into television, directing the popular TV series india a discovery (1988), a historical drama based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Discovery of India”, which brought the Indian freedom struggle and its cultural history into the living rooms of the entire country.
Shyam Benegal’s work has earned him many awards, including several National Film Awards, the Padma Shri (1976), and the Padma Bhushan (1991) for his contributions to cinema. The filmmaker was also awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor in the field of cinema, in 2005 for his contribution to films.
