Indian cinema mourns the loss of Shyam Benegal, the pioneer of parallel cinema, who passed away on December 18 at the age of 90. Known for groundbreaking storytelling and social realism, Benegal’s films like Ankur, Mandi, Sardari Begum, and Zubeidaa tackled pressing societal issues with unmatched brilliance. A mentor to legendary actors like Shabana Azmi and the creator of the iconic TV series Bharat Ek Khoj, Benegal’s contributions to cinema transcend borders. The nation pays tribute to this visionary filmmaker, whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.