Shyam Benegal Passes Away At 90: Amitabh Bachchan And Others Pay Tribute To The Legendary Filmmaker

Tributes have been pouring in for the renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal. Notable figures like Amitabh Bachchan, Nafisa Ali, Karisma Kapoor, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Ajay Devgn have expressed their admiration for his contributions to Indian cinema. Benegal, who passed away at 90 due to chronic kidney disease, was a key figure in the 'parallel cinema movement' of the 1970s and 1980s with films like "Ankur" and "Mandi".

Shabana Azmi, a frequent collaborator and close friend of Benegal, shared funeral details on Instagram. The last rites are scheduled for Tuesday at Shivaji Park Electric Crematorium in Mumbai. Bachchan paid tribute on X, stating, "We have lost another stalwart of the Film Industry today .. Shyam Benegal passes away .. Prayers and condolences (sic)".

Nafisa Ali reflected on her experience working with Benegal in "Junoon", expressing how he saw something unique in her. She wrote about her turmoil over his passing and sent love to his family. Karisma Kapoor shared memories from "Zubeidaa", posting a still from the film and a behind-the-scenes photo with Benegal.

"Rest in Peace Shyam Babu. Legend forever. Ur Zubeidaa.. #ShyamBenegal," Kapoor captioned her post. Lillete Dubey praised Benegal as an intelligent and talented filmmaker who knew how to bring out the best in actors. She admired his work's individuality and quality.

Khalid Mohamed, who penned the screenplay for "Zubeidaa", shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo of Benegal. Ajay Devgn described Benegal's films as lessons in humanity and culture, acknowledging the lasting impact he left on audiences.

Vishal Bhardwaj recounted his early struggles as a music composer and how Benegal stood out by offering encouragement. He remembered meeting him at his Tardeo office where Benegal's kindness left a lasting impression. Bhardwaj noted that Benegal's death marks the end of an era.

Benegal's last project was "Mujib: The Making of a Nation", focusing on Bangladesh's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Arifin Shuvoo, who starred in this biopic, shared a black-and-white photo with the director from the set.

Shoojit Sircar called Benegal a master from Indian cinema's golden era on Instagram Stories. Zoya Akhtar posted a picture from Cannes 1976 with Smita Patil and Azmi during the premiere of "Nishant". She thanked him for introducing new waves in cinema.

A Lasting Legacy: Reflections from Actors

Shreyas Talpade expressed gratitude for working with Benegal on "Welcome To Sajjanpur". He described each day on set as an enlightening experience that transformed him as an actor. Boman Irani praised Benegal’s wisdom and said there will never be another like him.

Randeep Hooda shared how Benegal inspired many lives through his films despite missing opportunities to work together. Onir credited "Junoon" for sparking his dream of becoming a filmmaker while recalling other influential works by Benegal.

Benegal’s legacy continues through his unforgettable films that touched countless lives across generations. His influence remains evident in those he inspired within Indian cinema’s parallel movement era.