In Indian cinema, the father of the alternative stream, Shyam Benegal, was a director who gave a new dimension to the definition of cinema with his sensitive vision and deep political understanding. His classical films, such as Ankur, Nishant and Bhumika, took a new path apart from the mainstream cinema.
A new era of cinema
Shyam Benegal, who was called his close “Shyam Babu”, died at a hospital in Mumbai at the age of 90. The incident occurred only nine days after his birthday. The cinema’s superstar made a fiercely into the world of film production with his first film Ankur in 1974. His film highlights the feudal system in Indian villages and exploitation of women.
Unique movies and diverse genres
Benegal directed more than 25 films in her career, including films like Mandi, Manthan, Junoon, Kalyug and Zubaida. In addition, he created a documentary like Satyajit Ray, filmmakers and a TV serials such as a discovery and constitution, which is a proof of his unique vision and intensive research.
Career of artists
Benegal’s films recognized amazing actors like Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah and Girish Karnad. At the same time, stars like Shashi Kapoor and Rekha also gave some great performances of their career in Kali Yuga.
Director of social and political stories
Benegal’s films highlighted class struggle, caste discrimination, feminism, rural problems and social structures. His Kalyug is the story of the modern Mahabharata, the role is based on the life of an actress, and the story of women of the mandi brothel.
Stories inspired by Gandhi
Gandhi’s personality and influence were carried out by Benegal in many of his works. Gandhiji’s character was presented in a very effective manner in projects like The Making of the Mahatma and Constitution.
Travel from simple to extraordinary
Born in Tirumalagiri, Tamil Nadu, Shyam Benegal’s childhood was spent in the atmosphere of cinema. His father was a still photographer and also made short films. Benegal received a postgraduate degree in Economics from Osmania University in Hyderabad. He initially worked as a copyriever in the advertising agency and later stepped into the field of documentary construction. Naki first feature film Ankur installed him on the big screen.
Honors and achievements
Shyam Benegal was awarded the National Award, Padma Shri (1976), Padma Bhushan (1991), and the highest honor of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2005). He was also a Rajya Sabha MP from 2006 to 2012.
Active till the last days
Benegal was not ready to compromise her creativity even at the age of 90. He said in his last conversation that he is working on two-three projects. There is no doubt that why Shyam Benegal’s death is the end of an era of Indian cinema.
