Arunaraje on Shyam Benegal's demise: 'I can't help my tears; it is very rare to come across someone like him'- Exclusive

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal’s demise deeply saddened the entertainment industry.
Many filmmakers and actors, including Hansal Mehta, Akshay Kumar, and Sudhir Mishra, shared their heartfelt reactions to the loss. Now, filmmaker Arunaraje has expressed her thoughts about the late veteran, describing him as an extraordinary human being.

In a recent conversation with Etimes, Arunaraje said, “Shyam Benegal was an extraordinary human being. Very rare to see a person like him, so balanced, so creative, so modest too. When I came out of FTII with our Diploma film that my ex-husband and I collaborated on, the first person to encourage us and accept us was Shyam.”


She continued, “ I have known him since 1969 and had so much success, so many accolades, nothing changed him. He wrote the Foreword for my autobiography 'Freedom - My story' - nothing had changed over the years though we kept meeting on and off on juries & committees. I met him earlier this year or maybe last year at a friend's place. Warm, receptive, smiling, full of wisdom, an exceptional person.”

Aruna expressed her profound sorrow upon hearing of Shyam Benegal's passing, saying, “I can't help my tears as they don't make people like him any more. Love you Shyam, stay blessed wherever you are! My heartfelt condolences to Neera & Pia! He will always be there for all of us who have known him!".

Shyam Benegal, the 90-year-old filmmaker, passed away at around 6:30 pm today ( December 23) at a hospital in Mumbai. His daughter, Pia Benegal, confirmed the sad news to the media.