National Award-Winning Bengali Filmmaker Raja Sen Dies At 71 In Kolkata

Kolkata, August 16 - Renowned Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen, celebrated for his National Award-winning film Damu, passed away at a state-run hospital in Kolkata on Sunday due to prolonged illness, according to sources at the medical facility. He was 71 years old. Sen was being treated at SSKM Hospital for various health issues and was connected to a ventilator.

The senior doctor at the hospital stated that Sen's condition had significantly worsened in the past few days due to complications involving his lungs, heart, and kidneys. Despite treatment, his condition remained critical. Sen initially sought medical attention at a private hospital after sustaining a lower back injury. His health took a turn for the worse during treatment, leading to the development of complications involving his lungs, heart, and kidneys.

He was transferred to SSKM Hospital on Monday, where he subsequently faced kidney-related issues. The loss of the esteemed filmmaker has deeply saddened the Bengali film and television industry, where he had spent decades of his career. 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 illustrious career, he directed numerous feature films, television serials, and documentaries. Some of his notable films include Atmiyo Swajan, Desh, Debipaksha, Krishnakant er Will, Laboratory, and Maya Mridanga. In 2002, he directed the film Desh, which starred Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan. Sen also created documentaries featuring prominent personalities and cultural figures, including Rabindra Sangeet exponent Suchitra Mitra.

His death marks the conclusion of a remarkable journey spanning Bengali cinema, television, and documentary filmmaking.