Pioneer of India’s parallel cinema movement dies at 90 - Benegal, celebrated for classics like Ankur and Manthan, shaped Indian cinema with socially impactful storytelling

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, known for his trailblazing contributions to parallel cinema, has passed away. Maharashtra Governor and Chief Minister pay tribute to his impactful works like 'Ankur' and 'Manthan',

The passion for meaningful films, ignited by Ray’s “ Pather Panchali “ remained with him all his life  as a filmmaker from Ankur in 1973 to Mujib-The making of a new nation" in 2023.

Back in 1974, a young writer with a unique creative vision made a decision to revolutionise mainstream Indian cinema. His name was Shyam Benegal, and over the course of three decades, he pioneered the parallel cinema movement in the country.

Shyam Benegal, a revered filmmaker, passes away. Leaders and admirers honour his legacy as a master storyteller who inspired generations.

Benegal’s first four feature films Ankur (1973), Nishant (Night’s end) (1975), Manthan (The churning) (1976) and Bhumika (The role) (1977) made him a benchmark for parallel cinema in India. His other notable works include Zubeidaa (2001) and Mammo (1994) among others.

Blessed with boundless creative energy, Shyam Benegal reinvented himself as a director at different stages of his career. He also experimented with different themes, subjects, and formats and made over 20 feature films,

Shyam Benegal, a pivotal figure in Indian cinema known for his incisive and socially conscious storytelling, died on Monday in Mumbai following a chronic kidney ailment, his daughter confirmed to India Today.

Shyam Benegal, who heralded a new era in Hindi cinema with the 'parallel movement' in the 1970s and 1980s with classics such as "Ankur", "Mandi" and "Manthan", died on Monday after battling chronic ki