Shyam Benegal Passes Away At 90: Film Personalities Pay Heartfelt Tributes To The Legendary Filmmaker

Shyam Benegal, the pioneer of Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s passed away on Monday, December 23. He was 90. The veteran director was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital, just days after he turned 90 on December 14. Celebrities from all across the nation are mourning the demise of the legendary filmmaker.

From Shekhar Kapur, Kamal Haasan, and Naseeruddin Shah to Chiranjeevi and Manoj Bajpayee, several film personalities have paid tributes to Shyam Benegal on social media.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur bid farewell to his 'friend' and 'guide' with a heartfelt eulogy. Kapur wrote on X, ''He created ‘the new wave’ cinema. #shyambenegal will always be remembered as the man that changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He created stars out great actors like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil.''

Anupam Kher is also 'deeply saddened' to know about the sudden demise of Shyam Benegal. He called Benegal the 'messiah for actors, writers and technicians of alternative cinema in India'. Kher further wrote, ''He told stories differently. When I went to meet him to ask for a role during the making of #Mandi, he looked at me and said, “I don’t have anything substantial for you in this film. And I don’t think you should do a smaller role! Why don’t you wait. May be something substantial will come your way!” And when #Saaransh happened he was extremely happy for me!! Goodbye #ShyamBabu. Thanks for your brilliance and generosity. Will miss you and your infectious smile.''

Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi condoled the demise of the veteran director as he wrote, "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 India라이브 바카라 greatest cultural treasure!!''

''A fellow Hyderabadi & former Rajya Sabha member, Benegal Sab라이브 바카라 masterful works will always be held in great esteem in Indian Cinema! Rest In Peace Sir,'' he added.

Amitabh Bachchan paid his heartfelt tribute to the doyen of Indian cinema. ''T 5233 - We have lost another stalwart of the Film Industry today .. Shyam Benegal passes away .. Prayers and condolences,'' wrote the megastar.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who worked with Shyam Benegal in Zubeidaa, shared a BTS photo from the film's set and called it a 'heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema. He further wrote, ''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 understanding of performances. I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons I learned under his direction. It was an absolute honor to have had the opportunity to work with him. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched. Rest in peace Shyam Babu, Om Shanti''.

Kamal Haasan shared a throwback picture of himself with Shyam Benegal and paid tribute to the National award-winning filmmaker. He wrote, ''India has lost the most humane storyteller of our time, and I’ve lost a guru. Through his lens, Shyam Benegal brought real India to the screen, making us love the ordinary while tackling profound social subjects. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who cherished his art.''

Akshay Kumar, Kajol, Randeep Hooda, Karan Johar and Sonali Kulkarni among others also condoled the death of Shyam Benegal.

The filmmaker is survived by wife Nira Benegal and daughter, Pia Benegal. His last rites will be held today at 2 pm at Shivaji Park Electric Crematorium, Mumbai.