RIP Shyam Benegal: President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, and other leaders of the nation pay their respects to the legendary filmmaker |

Indian cinema faced a major loss on Monday when the news of veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passing away came out. One of the pioneers of Indian cinema breathed his last at the age of 90 at Mumbaiʼs Wockhardt Hospital due to chronic kidney disease.
As the news of his demise started doing the rounds, it shattered hearts instantly. The social media got flooded with messages and posts highlighting Shyan Benegal’s contribution and how dearly he will be missed. Many prominent leaders including our honourable President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and more shared their profound grief on the tragic loss.
Sharing condolences, President Droupadi Murmu shared it is “the end of a glorious chapter of Indian cinema and television”. Taking to X, she wrote – “His extraordinary contribution was recognised in the form of numerous awards including Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Bhushan. My condolences to the members of his family and his countless admirers.”

PM Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt grief by stating how deeply saddened he is on getting the news. He shared that Shyam Benegal’s 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,” he wrote in an X post.

Further, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also paid her final respects with the post that read – “Saddened by the demise of our iconic filmmaker Shyam Benegal. A pillar of Indian parallel cinema, he was loved and admired by all connoisseurs. My condolences to his family, friends, and followers.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took to X to mourn the loss. “His legacy in cinema and commitment to social issues will inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and admirers worldwide,” Rahul said in a post on X.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also penned a heartwarming message for the late icon. “Mourning the passing of #ShyamBenegal, a giant of India’s New Wave cinema who leaves a considerable body of cinematic accomplishment behind. My sisters and i knew him since our childhood, when he was an advertising professional who photographed them as the first “Amul Babies”. His impact will endure, but his passing is an immense loss, for cinema and for humanity. ॐ शांति 🙏,” he wrote.

Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi called the late star a true champion and wrote – “The sensitivity of Nishant, the message of Manthan, and the philosophy of Bharat Ek Khoj – each of his creations is an inspiration. Today, an era of public voice in cinema has ended.”

L Murugan, the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting referred to the late filmmaker as a “visionary storyteller.”
“He revolutionized Indian cinema with his profound narratives and artistic brilliance. His contributions to the world of art and culture will be remembered forever,” read his post.

Though everyone, be it political leaders or members of the film fraternity, has tried their best to pour in their hearts about Shyam Benegal’s contribution, no amount of words can do justice to the legacy the iconic filmmaker left behind.