Filmmaker Shyam Benegal, known for his pioneering work in Indian cinema, passed away on Monday at the age of 90 due to chronic kidney disease. His death has prompted an outpour of tributes from industry insiders, including Amitabh Bachchan. Big B expressed his sorrow on X, calling Benegal a stalwart of the industry.

T 5233 – We have lost another stalwart of the Film Industry today ..
Shyam Benegal passes away ..
Prayers and condolences 🙏

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 23, 2024

Benegal’s films, such as Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika, were instrumental in shaping Indian parallel cinema. He won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi seven times and received the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

In addition to feature films, Benegal’s work in documentaries and television, including Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan, left a lasting impact. His recent project, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), was an India-Bangladesh co-production that further solidified his legacy. He also served as the Director of the NFDC and was involved in international film festivals.