Shyam Benegal Last Rites: 18 National Film Awards Winner Cremated With State Honour

Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of Indian parallel cinema, passed away on December 23 at the age of 90. His last rites are being conducted at Shivaji Park Electric Crematorium in Mumbai on December 24. The acclaimed director, who won 18 National Awards, had been battling age-related and kidney issues for some time. Bollywood stars have gathered to pay their respects.

Shabana Azmi shared details about the funeral on Instagram Stories. A statement from Shyam Benegal's children, Neera and Pia Benegal, mentioned that the ceremony would start at 2 pm. Videos from the event show Naseeruddin Shah looking emotional as he bids farewell to the director. Other notable figures like Rajat Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Kunal Kapoor were also present.

Earlier this month, Shyam Benegal celebrated his 90th birthday on December 14 with close friends and colleagues from the film industry. A video captured him smiling while seated among friends, with Shabana Azmi by his side. The celebration photos went viral and sparked widespread discussion.

Benegal's cinematic journey began with 'Ankur' in 1973, which was both a commercial success and critically acclaimed. This debut set the stage for his illustrious career. He directed several other popular films like 'Manthan', 'Bhoomika', 'Market Place', 'Junoon', 'Zubaida', 'The Making of Mahatma', and 'Sardar Begum'. These films addressed complex social issues with courage.

A Legacy of Excellence

Throughout his career, Shyam Benegal received numerous accolades for his contributions to cinema. In addition to winning 18 National Awards, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991 by the Government of India. His work continues to inspire filmmakers worldwide.

The film industry mourns the loss of a visionary director whose storytelling left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.