Shyam Benegal shares story of Shuvoo’s transformation in ‘Mujib’ |
The Daily Star
In 2024, India mourned the loss of several prominent artists who made significant contributions across various fields:
Shyam Benegal (1934–2024): A pioneering filmmaker, Benegal was instrumental in India’s parallel cinema movement. His critically acclaimed films, such as “Ankur,” “Nishant,” and “Manthan,” addressed pressing social issues and offered a stark departure from mainstream Bollywood narratives. He passed away at the age of 90 due to chronic kidney disease.
Zakir Hussain (1951–2024): A tabla maestro renowned for bringing Indian classical music to a global audience, Hussain collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Ravi Shankar, George Harrison, and John McLaughlin. His innovative fusion of classical Indian, jazz, and electronic elements earned him multiple Grammy Awards. He died at 73 from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Rohit Bal (1960–2024): A celebrated fashion designer, Bal was known for his visionary contributions to Indian fashion, dressing international celebrities like Uma Thurman and Naomi Campbell, as well as Bollywood icons such as Deepika Padukone. He passed away at 63 due to a heart attack.
Hanif Kureshi (1982–2024): An influential street artist and designer, Kureshi played a pivotal role in popularizing street art in India. He co-founded the St+art India Foundation and was known for projects like HandpaintedType, which aimed to preserve traditional Indian sign painting. He died at 41 after battling lung cancer.
Sharda Sinha (1952–2024): Fondly called the ‘Bihar Kokila,’ Sinha was celebrated for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi music. Her soulful songs remain integral to Indian festive and cultural celebrations. She passed away at 71 due to complications from blood poisoning.
Ustad Rashid Khan (1968–2024): An iconic Indian classical musician, Khan was a distinguished vocalist of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana. He passed away at the age of 55 after battling cancer.
Meena Ganesh (1943–2024): A veteran Malayalam actor, Ganesh was known for her impactful roles in theatre and cinema. She passed away at the age of 81 after suffering a cerebral stroke.
MT Vasudevan Nair (1933–2024): A renowned writer and filmmaker, Nair made significant contributions to Malayalam literature and cinema. He passed away at the age of 91 due to heart failure.
Atul Parchure (1966–2024): A versatile actor known for his work in Marathi and Hindi cinema, Parchure passed away at the age of 58 after battling cancer.
Pankaj Udhas (1951–2024): A legendary ghazal singer, Udhas was celebrated for his soulful voice and contributions to Indian music. He passed away at the age of 72.
These artists have left an indelible mark on India’s cultural landscape, and their contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
