Divya Dutta recently took to social media to share unseen moments from the 90th birthday celebrations of renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal.
The intimate gathering featured luminaries such as Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rajit Kapur, Atul Tiwari, and filmmaker-actor Kunal Kapoor. On her Instagram, Divya posted a nostalgic throwback image from the celebrations, captioning it, “This day..last year…but memories live on…the fondeetvones. Happy bday #shyambenegal !! Thankyou for the movies..thankyou for the life lessons..the experience, the joy of being on your sets and in your amazing company…alwqys n always lilove for you…”
The heartwarming photo features Shabana Azmi smiling and waving while seated alongside Shyam Benegal, with Divya Dutta, Naseeruddin Shah, and others posing behind them.
For those unaware, veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away on December 23, 2024, only days after celebrating his 90th birthday. Born on December 14, 1934, the legendary director succumbed to kidney-related ailments in Mumbai. He celebrated this milestone birthday in the company of Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, Naseeruddin Shah, Rajit Kapur, Atul Tiwari, and many others.
Benegal is celebrated for his iconic award-winning films like “Ankur,” “Bhumika,” “Manthan,” and “Nishant,” leaving behind an extraordinary legacy in Indian cinema. Making his feature film debut with “Ankur” in 1974, he starred Anant Nag and Shabana Azmi; this film received the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film and established Benegal as a pioneering filmmaker.
His last directorial venture, “Mujib: The Making of a Nation” (2023), showcased the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Over his illustrious career, Benegal garnered multiple National Awards for films such as “Bhumika: The Role,” “Junoon,” “Arohan,” “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero,” and “Well Done Abba.”