Shyam Benegal, the celebrated filmmaker who spearheaded India’s parallel cinema movement with his groundbreaking, socially-conscious films in the 1970s and 1980s, passed away at the age of 90.

Known for redefining Indian cinema with his realism and poignant storytelling, Benegal leaves behind a towering legacy.

The iconic filmmaker is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, and daughter, Pia Benegal. He had been undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital, where he was admitted shortly after celebrating his 90th birthday on December 14.

According to Pia, her father had been battling chronic kidney disease and undergoing dialysis three times a week.

Despite his health challenges, Benegal remained deeply engaged with his passion for filmmaking. On his birthday, he shared with PTI, “I’m working on two to three projects; they are all different from one another. It’s difficult to say which one I will make. They are all for the big screen.”

Benegal’s last film was the 2023 biographical drama “Mujib: The Making of a Nation”. Over the course of his illustrious career, Benegal created an impressive portfolio of films, documentaries, and television serials that left an indelible mark on Indian film industry.

His works include classics such as “Ankur” (1973), “Nishant” (1975), “Manthan” (1976), “Bhumika” (1977), “Junoon” (1978), “Mandi” (1983), “Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda” (1992), “Mammo” (1994), and “Sardari Begum” (1996). He also directed acclaimed television series like “Bharat Ek Khoj”, which explored India’s cultural history.