Shyam Benegal passes away at 90

[sachinchavan 15865]

India was blessed in the 60s, 70s and 80s with auteurs of the highest international standards who gave us cinema that we can be proud of even today, half a century later. And which inspires young talent and educates masses even today. Educates us in becoming better citizens and humans as well as evolved cinema/art consumers.

Among all those greats, specifically in Hindi parallel/new wave cinema, Shyam Benegal stands tall. While his early works - Ankur, Nishant and Manthan took up social causes and became his calling card, later, with Bhumika, Junoon, Kalyug, Trikal he became a raconteur of personal stories that entertained and inspired at the same time. But he also revisited the earlier genre with a gem like Mandi. Benegal used the television medium well in the 80s and 90 for some of the best series Indian TV came up with - including Katha Sagar, Bharat Ek Khoj, and much later, Samvidhan (as well as TV films like Mammo). But his big screen affair continued to yield masterpieces such as Suraj ka Satvan Ghoda, Sardari Begum and Zubeida. His later works such as Welcome to Sajjanpur, Well Done Abba might not be in the league of his earlier creations, but were still immensely watchable and different from the run of the mill of the 2000’s.

Shyam Benegal gave us vision - both, to see films and to see the society. He gave us actors that transcended excellence and creations that transcended time. He was a truly renaissance man leading a revolution in Hindi films. A revolution of social awareness as well as artistic sensitivity. He also showed how great art can influence the society, and help it evolve.

We need more Benegals today.

RIP master film maker. Your place in Hindi cinema’s history would remain forever distinct and distinguished!

 

[muralimmreddy]

Sandesh did this amazing interview with this legend. Amazing reflection of Shyam's career and artistry. His clarity of thought and wit at 90 is just amazing.

 

[Analogous]

Thank you for sharing this captivating interview with Shyam Benegal.
Sad to learn of the passing of a wonderful film maker and a loveable human being. The films he made are his legacy and are mostly available on YouTube.

 

[himadri]

He was the finest. RIP.

 

[Nitin K]

A great person & a visionary. The legends are gradually leaving one by one.

 

[Bhaskar Jyoti Talapatra]

The new wave that was made in 50's by Sri Satyajit Ray , Sri Ritwik Ghatak and Sri Mrinal Sen was very successfully carried forward by Sri Shyam Benegal. Movie doesn't necessarily mean entertainment only and this was understood by those maestros. That is why we got some movies which make definition of good , thought provoking movies that will remain for ever. RIP Shyam Benegalji.

 

[sachinchavan 15865]

The new wave that was made in 50's by Sri Satyajit Ray , Sri Ritwik Ghatak and Sri Mrinal Sen was very successfully carried forward by Sri Shyam Benegal. Movie doesn't necessarily mean entertainment only and this was understood by those maestros. That is why we got some movies which make definition of good , thought provoking movies that will remain for ever. RIP Shyam Benegalji.

Of course, Bhaskar, the Bangla trio initiated and led the new wave cinema in the 50’s and 60’s. In Hindi cinema however, it was the peerless Mani Kaul who was the pioneer in the late 60’s, but it was the more prolific Benegal who shaped it into a movement in the 70’s and 80’s.