Mumbai: Shyam Benegal, who heralded the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s with a body of work known for its realism and social commentary, breaking away from the conventions of mainstream Indian cinema, passed away at the age of 90 yesterday. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital, just days after he turned 90 on Dec. 14.

The legendary filmmaker is survived by wife Nira Benegal and daughter Pia Benegal.  His daughter Pia said, “He passed away at 6.38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That’s the reason for his death.”

Shyam Benegal, who came from a Karnataka Konkani family, started making films at the age of 12 with a camera gifted by his father, who was a photographer. He made films on diverse issues, documentaries and television serials, including ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ and ‘Samvidhaan’. His films include ‘Bhumika’, ‘Junoon’, ‘Mandi’, ‘Suraj Ka Satvaan Ghoda’, ‘Mammo’ and ‘Sardari Begum’, most counted as classics in Hindi cinema. His most recent film was the 2023 biographical ‘Mujib: The Making of a Nation’.

The 53-episode ‘Bharat Ek Khoj,’ based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s book Discovery of India, was an ambitious project that familiarised the audience with India’s 5,000-year history, myths and ethos through an engaging narrative. In March 2014, Rajya Sabha TV started telecasting ‘Samvidhaan,’ a 10-part series directed by Benegal that focused on the making of the Constitution of India.

Benegal was recognised by the Government of India with the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991 for his contributions to Indian cinema.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi and others have condoled his death.