PM Modi, Amitabh Bachchan, Chiranjeevi, Manoj Bajpayee, Akshay Kumar pay emotional tributes to Shyam Benegal

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away at the age of 90 in Mumbai on Monday. Considered as one of the greatest Indian directors, Benegal received several honours including 18 National Film Awards, a Nandi Award, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in the field of cinema, a Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan.

PM Narendra Modi shared his condolences over his demise as he took to X and wrote, "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."

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

Amitabh Bachchan wrote, "We have lost another stalwart of the Film Industry today. Shyam Benegal passes away. Prayers and condolences." Akshay Kumar also posted on his X, "Pained to know of Shyam Benegal ji’s demise. One of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti."

T 5233 - We have lost another stalwart of the Film Industry today ..
Shyam Benegal passes away ..
Prayers and condolences

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 23, 2024

Pained to know of Shyam Benegal ji’s demise. One of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/FGbMf0l0jO

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 23, 2024

Veteran Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi wrote, “Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal,one of the finest film makers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered & nurtured some of the brightest film talents of India. His films, biographies and documentaries form part of India’s greatest cultural treasure!! A fellow Hyderabadi & former Rajya Sabha member, Benegal Sab’s masterful works will always be held in great esteem in Indian Cinema! Rest In Peace Sir."

Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal,one of the finest film makers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered & nurtured some of the brightest film talents of India. His films, biographies and documentaries form part of India’s greatest cultural…

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) December 23, 2024

Manoj Bajpayee penned a long note remembering the legend. He wrote, "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 understanding of performances. 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. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched. Rest in peace Shyam Babu, Om Shanti."

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

Shyam Benegal becama a pioneer of parallel cinema movement with his critically appreciated films like Ankur, Bhumika, Manthan, Nishant, Junoon, Trikal, and others.