Veteran director and filmmaker Shyam Benegal is no more. The director passed away at a private hospital in Mumbai while undergoing treatment for kidney issues. He is one of the finest filmmakers we have in the country and he died at 90.

Shyam's ability to delve into human emotions and socio-political landscapes through compelling narratives set him apart as a visionary artist.

Born on December 14, 1934, in Hyderabad, into a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family, Benegal's roots traced back to Karnataka before his family settled in Hyderabad. His passion for cinema sparked at the young age of 12 when he made his first film using a camera gifted by his father.

He had a Master’s degree in Economics from Osmania University, Hyderabad. He also played a crucial role in establishing the Hyderabad Film Society, fostering a culture of cinema appreciation. Apart from Padma Sri and Padma Bhushan awards, Shyam was also awarded with ANR National Award in 2013. He bagged Indira Gandhi National Award in 2003. He was a seven time National award winning director.

Shyam Benegal also did a Telugu film called Anugraham with Vanisri, which was shot in the interior villages of Visakhapatnam. Smitha Patil and Ananth Nag also acted in the film.

Shyam Benegal's passing marks the end of an era, but his films and the impact they created will continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike for generations to come.