Veteran filmmaker Raja Sen dies at 71

Kolkata witnessed the passing of renowned Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen at the age of 71 on Sunday, according to sources at a state-run hospital. Sen, who had been battling multiple health complications for an extended period, was admitted to SSKM Hospital and placed on a ventilator. His condition had rapidly worsened, with complications affecting his lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Prior to his admission, Sen had been treated at a private hospital after sustaining a lower back injury, which led to further deterioration of his health. He then developed lung and cardiac complications, ultimately leading to his admission at SSKM Hospital. There, he was shifted due to the emergence of kidney-related complications.

The loss of this veteran filmmaker has left the Bengali film and television industry in mourning, as Sen had dedicated several decades to his craft, working in various genres including feature films, television serials, and documentaries. His film debut came in 1996 with the National Award-winning film "Damu," which earned him recognition for best children's film.

Throughout his career, Sen directed notable titles such as "Atmiyo Swajan," "Desh," "Debijaksha," "Krishnakant er will," "Laboratory," and "Maya Mridanga." Additionally, he produced documentaries featuring prominent personalities like Rabindra Sangeet exponent Suchitra Mitra. With Sen's death, a significant chapter in Bengali cinema, television, and documentary filmmaking comes to a close.