Mumbai: Shyam Benegal, who heralded the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s with a body of work known for its realism and social commentary, breaking away from the conventions of mainstream Indian cinema, passed away at the age of 90 yesterday. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital, just days after he turned 90 on Dec. 14.
The legendary filmmaker is survived by wife Nira Benegal and daughter Pia Benegal. His daughter Pia said, "He passed away at 6.38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That's the reason for his death."
