Shyam Benegal was a film maker, screenplay writer and documentary maker. He died on 23 December 2024. His work often focused on social issues, gender equity, and political themes, setting a benchmark for future filmmakers.
Shyam Benegal Age
Shyam Benegal was born on 14 December 1934. He passed away on 23 December 2024. Just few days back he had turned 90.
Shyam Benegal Family
Shyam Benegal was born as Shyam Sundar Benegal in Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family. His family resided in Hyderabad. His father gave him a camera at the age of 12. He started honing his skills using it and created his first film on it.
He had a film connection as famous actor Guru Dutt was his second cousin.
Shyam married Nira Benegal another creative professional. They have a daughter named Pia Benegal, who is a famous costume designer.
| See also: Nitesh Tiwari Biography |
Shyam Benegal early Life & Career
After graduating from Osmania University, Shyam started working as a copywriter in Mumbai at Lintas Advertisin. Soon, he rose to higher positions and started directing advertising films and documentaries for the agency. In 1962, he released his own Gujarati documentary, Ghar Betha Ganga.
Later he started teaching at FTII, Pune and served as its chairman twice.
In 1973, with the release of his first feature film Ankur started a new chapter of parallel cinema. He used a variety of new actors from FTII namely, Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil and created filmography like Nishant, Manthna, and Bhumika. His films were often characterized by realistic portrayal of oppression and societal crisis.
In the 1990s, Benegal focused on narratives involving Indian Muslim women through films like Mammo (1994), Sardari Begum (1996), and Zubeidaa (2001). His biographical films, including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005), continued to explore historical themes while maintaining a personal touch.
In addition to cinema, Benegal made contributions on Television. His series Bharat Ek Khoj, based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s Discovery of India, is considered a landmark in Indian television history. He also directed the miniseries Samvidhaan: The Making of the Constitution of India (2014) and produced numerous documentaries throughout his career.
Shyam Benegal Income & Net Worth
There are no details about his income & net worth available online. With his successful career, he may have built a good fortune for his company.
Shyam Benegal Awards & Recognitions
- Shyam Benegal has won a remarkable number of 18 National Film Awards for Best Feature films and Best Director.
- In 2005, he was conferred with Dadasaheb Film Award, India’s highest honor in cinema.
- The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991.
- Benegal was awarded multiple other awards like Filmfare & Nandi Award.
Shyam Benegal Death
Shyam Benegal passed away on 23 December 2024 in Mumbai. He was suffering from a kidney related disease. Two days back, he fell at his house and was admitted in hospital. After being in coma for two days, he breathed his last at 6:30 pm today. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
FAQs
Shyam Benegal’s some of the best films are: Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, Junoon & Bhumika.
Shyam Benegal was married to Nira Benegal.
Shyam Benegal passed away on 23 December, 2024 at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai. He was 90.
Shyam Benegal’s daughter name is Pia Benegal, who is a Costume Designer.