Filmmaker Raja Sen dies at 71 after prolonged illness

Veteran Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen passed away at the age of 71 after battling a prolonged illness, according to medical sources. He had been receiving treatment at SSKM Hospital for various health complications and was placed on a ventilator. The doctor treating Sen stated that his condition had significantly worsened in recent days due to complications affecting his lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Sen had initially been admitted to a private hospital following a lower back injury, but his condition deteriorated during treatment, leading to the development of lung and cardiac complications. He was subsequently moved to SSKM Hospital, where he later experienced kidney-related issues. The loss of the renowned filmmaker has left the Bengali film and television industry deeply saddened, as Sen had spent several decades working within the industry.

Sen made his feature film debut with Damu in 1996, which went on to win the National Film Award for Best Children's Film. Throughout his career, he directed numerous feature films, television serials, and documentaries, including Atmiyo Swajan, Desh, Debipaksha, Krishnakant er will, Laboratory, and Maya Mridanga. Notable films like Desh, released in 2002, starred Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.

Additionally, Raja Sen produced documentaries featuring prominent personalities and cultural figures, such as Rabindra Sangeet exponent Suchitra Mitra.