Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away at 90 in Mumbai on Monday, leaving the film fraternity and his admirers mourning the loss of a cinematic legend. Tributes poured in from across the industry, with heartfelt messages shared on social media.

National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter), penning an emotional tribute. He wrote, "A heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema. Shyam Benegal wasn't just a legend but a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience that exposed me to his unique storytelling and nuanced understanding of performance." Bajpayee further added, "I'll always cherish the lessons I learned under his direction. It was an absolute honor to work with him. His legacy will endure 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

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar also paid tribute, posting on X, "Pained to hear about Shyam Benegal ji's demise. One of the finest filmmakers our country has seen'a true legend. Om Shanti."

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

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur shared his thoughts, writing on X, "He created the 'new wave' of cinema. #ShyamBenegal will always be remembered for changing the direction of Indian cinema with masterpieces like Ankur, Manthan, and many more. He turned great actors like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil into stars. Farewell, my friend and guide."

He created 'the new wave' cinema. #shyambenegal will always be remembered as the man that changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He created stars out great actors like Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell my friend and guide pic.twitter.com/5r3rkX48Vx

— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) December 23, 2024

Actress Kajol wrote, "Deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary Shyam Benegal. His contributions to Indian cinema are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to shine through his remarkable body of work."

Deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary Shyam Benegal. His contributions to Indian cinema are immeasurable and his legacy will live on through his incredible body of work.🙏 pic.twitter.com/x6ZuT6lqoM

— Kajol (@itsKajolD) December 23, 2024

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra reflected on Benegal's unique storytelling style, stating, "Shyam Benegal's films captured the poetry of ordinary lives. There was a lament in his work'a sadness that we weren't living in the best of worlds. Much will be written about him, but for me, this is what stood out."

Veteran Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi shared a heartfelt message, saying, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Shyam Benegal, one of India's finest filmmakers and intellectuals. He nurtured some of the brightest talents in the industry, and his works remain a treasured part of our cultural heritage. As a fellow Hyderabadi and Rajya Sabha member, his masterful contributions will always be revered. 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

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta honored Benegal on Instagram, sharing a photo of the late filmmaker and writing, "Among the last of our great filmmakers. Go well, Shyam Babu. Thank you for inspiring so many of us. Thank you for the cinema, and for giving flawed characters and tough stories such profound dignity."

Go well Shyam babu. Thank you for inspiring many like me. Thank you for the cinema. Thank you for giving tough stories and flawed characters such amazing dignity.
Truly among the last of our greats. pic.twitter.com/6niNXolUB3

— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) December 23, 2024

Shyam Benegal was regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of post-1970s Indian cinema. His illustrious career was marked by accolades, including 18 National Film Awards, a Nandi Award, the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan honors.

Born in Hyderabad, Benegal was the second cousin of legendary auteur Guru Dutt. He began his career as a copywriter before making his first documentary, Gher Betha Ganga, in 1962. His pioneering feature films, including Ankur (1973), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977), spearheaded the new wave cinema movement in India. He also served as the Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986.

Shyam Benegal's legacy will continue to inspire future generations through his timeless contributions to Indian cinema.