Film director Shyam Benegal, 90, was a pioneer in the industry and heralded the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s. Benegal has directed multiple award-winning films. Take a look at a few of his best:
Based on a true story, the film follows low-caste Lakshmi and her visually impaired and hard-of-hearing husband Kishtayya, who lead a happy life. Surya, the son of a landlord, unsatisfied with his marriage, starts to develop feelings for Lakshmi. This debut directorial of Benegal earned him his first National Film Award
Vishwam, the youngest son of the village Zamindar. His behaviour is the complete opposite of his two older and vulgar brothers. Vishwam, though married, has eyes for the new schoolmaster’s wife. Vishwam’s older brothers kidnap and rape her, and no one comes to her aid. This Benegal directorial was nominated for the Palme d’Or in 1976
Set against the backdrop of the White Revolution of India, Dr Rao, a veterinary doctor, and his team, help the disadvantaged people of Kheda establish a co-operative society dairy, owned by the villagers themselves. This drama flick won the National Film Award in 1997 and was also in the ‘Cannes Classics’ section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival
Set in the backdrop of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Miriam Labadoor, her mother, and her daughter Ruth escape from a deadly massacre during Sunday mass. Despite their effort, Ruth and her grandmother are kidnapped by chieftain Javed Khan. Javed and Ruth start to develop feelings for each other. This film bagged the National Award in 1979
Anna is unwillingly engaged to Erasmo while being in love with Leon, a fugitive hiding in their family home. When she finds out she is pregnant with Leon’s baby, she tries to hide the news from her new fiancee. Benegal won the National Film Award for Best Direction for this drama film
When realising that his pleas to the government are useless, Armaan takes matters into his own hands to save his drought-ridden village, by raising his voice and organising a protest with the help of the villagers. In 2009, the political satire won the National Film Award for Best Film on Social Issues
With the help of Keshav Dalvi, Usha climbs the ladder of fame and becomes a resident name in the film industry. Usha marries the much older Keshav to return the favour but takes part in extra-marital affairs with other men in the industry. The film won the National Film Award for Best Screenplay
Riyaz is desperate to know more about his mother Zubeidaa. In his search, he finds out that his mother was an actress who married Maharaja Vijayendra Singh of Fatehpur to become his second wife. The movie won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 2002