On Monday, the news of Veteran Filmmaker Shyam Benegal's demise shocked the country, prompting many celebrities to come forward and express grief. From the President of India to Bollywood Actors, everyone shared their condolences.
President of India Draupadi shared a tweet on X, “The passing of Shri Shyam Benegal marks the end of a glorious chapter of Indian cinema and television. He started a new kind of cinema and crafted several classics. A veritable institution, he groomed many actors and artists,” she said. She listed down the national awards he has achieved over the years.
The passing of Shri Shyam Benegal marks the end of a glorious chapter of Indian cinema and television. He started a new kind of cinema and crafted several classics. A veritable institution, he groomed many actors and artists. His extraordinary contribution was recognised in the…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 23, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted about how important a role he has played in the film industry. He said, “Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.” Other political figures, like Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, shared a picture of the late filmmaker, calling him “a visionary filmmaker who brought India’s stories to life with depth and sensitivity.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Shyam Benegal Ji, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 23, 2024
Saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal ji, a visionary filmmaker who brought India’s stories to life with depth and sensitivity.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 23, 2024
His legacy in cinema and commitment to social issues will inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and admirers worldwide. pic.twitter.com/J6ARdNiVNV
Apart from Political leaders, even Bollywood celebrities took to social media to express the loss of Benegel. Anupam Kher shared photos quoting, “He was the messiah for actors, writers and technicians of alternative cinema in #India. He told stories differently. When I went to meet him to ask for a role during the making of #Mandi, he looked at me and said, “I don’t have anything substantial for you in this film. And I don’t think you should do a smaller role! Why don’t you wait. May be something substantial will come your way!”
Deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of legendary filmmaker #ShyamBenegal. He was the messiah for actors, writers and technicians of alternative cinema in #India. He told stories differently. When I went to meet him to ask for a role during the making of #Mandi, he looked… pic.twitter.com/cRNhpRFgM4
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) December 23, 2024
“India has lost the most humane storyteller of our time, and I’ve lost a guru,” said Kamal Hassan. Manoj Bajpayee shared a picture from the set of Zubeidaa with a heartwarming message about how Benegal saw something in him that no one else did. “I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons I learned under his direction. It was an absolute honor to have had the opportunity to work with him,” he said.
India has lost the most humane storyteller of our time, and I’ve lost a guru. Through his lens, Shyam Benegal brought real India to the screen, making us love the ordinary while tackling profound social subjects. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who… pic.twitter.com/N6PVP37UYM
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 24, 2024
A heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema. Shyam Benegal wasn’t just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience for me, exposing me to his unique style of storytelling & nuanced… pic.twitter.com/EH0eosqkAR
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) December 23, 2024
Veteran Filmmaker Shyam Benegal was one of the pioneers in introducing parallel cinema to the Indian Film Scene. His work brought a unique perspective to storytelling to the Indian audience.