Shyam Benegal honored with posthumous Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
Legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal was posthumously given the 70th Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in Ahmedabad on October 11, 2025.
The honor was presented by Karan Johar and accepted by Benegal's daughter, Pia.
Benegal, who passed away on December 23, 2024, at age 90, was remembered with full state honors at his funeral, attended by many icons of Indian cinema.
Benegal's legacy in Indian cinema
Benegal was a pioneer of India's parallel cinema movement, making his mark with Ankur (1974) and launching talents like Shabana Azmi.
His films—like Nishant, Manthan, Bhumika, and the acclaimed "Muslim Women Trilogy" (Mammo, Sardari Begum, Zubeidaa)—won major national awards for their honest takes on social issues.
He also created influential documentaries and TV shows such as Bharat Ek Khoj (1988), inspiring generations of filmmakers with his realistic storytelling and mentorship.