Shyam Benegal Passes Away: Honoring His Legacy Through Most Iconic Films

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal has passed away at the age of 90 following a battle with chronic kidney disease. Renowned for his work on diverse issues, documentaries, and television serials, his films deeply resonated with audiences. (Image: X)

Shyam Benegal's directorial debut, Ankur, follows the story of Lakshmi and Kishtayya, a happily married childless Dalit couple, whose lives are disrupted when Surya, the son of the village landlord, seduces Lakshmi. The film addresses pressing issues of social inequality and exploitation. (Image Rest: IMDb)

Manthan is a compelling socio-political film that depicts the story of a cooperative dairy movement in a rural village, focusing on the struggles and successes of local farmers. The film follows Dr. Rao, a veterinarian who arrives in the village with the aim of establishing a cooperative dairy society to improve the lives of the rural community.

Junoon tells the story of Ruth and her family, who are captured by a rebel named Javed in 1857. As tensions rise, Ruth begins to develop unexpected feelings for her captor, complicating the situation further.

The Making of the Mahatma is a biographical film directed by Shyam Benegal, focusing on the early life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The film portrays Gandhi's journey as a London-trained barrister in South Africa, where he confronts racism and fights for the rights of Asian labourers, ultimately leading him to take a stand for India's independence.

Zubeidaa, starring Karisma Kapoor, is a romantic drama set in the 1950s that delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity. The film follows an aspiring actress who marries a prince to become his second wife, but her tumultuous relationship with him and her decision to break free ultimately lead to tragic consequences.

Bhumika, starring Smita Patil, is a semi-autobiographical film based on the life of Marathi actress Hansa Wadkar. The story follows Urvashi, an aspiring actress who rises to fame with the help of Keshav and eventually marries him. However, her life becomes complicated as she embarks on affairs with prominent men in the film industry.

The 2023 epic biographical film chronicles the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and first president of Bangladesh. It tells the story of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who played a pivotal role in restoring Bengali sovereignty after more than two centuries of colonial rule.