Raja Sen, National Award-winning Bengali filmmaker, dies in Kolkata at 71

Veteran Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen, best known for his National Award-winning film Damu, died at a state-run hospital in Kolkata on Sunday. He was 71. Sen had been undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for multiple health complications and was on ventilator support, according to sources at the medical facility.A senior doctor at the hospital said Sen’s condition had deteriorated significantly over the past few days after he developed complications affecting his lungs, heart and kidneys.“He had multiple complications and his condition remained critical despite treatment. He was on ventilator support,” the doctor told PTI.Sen was initially admitted to a private hospital after suffering an injury to his lower back. His condition worsened during treatment, and he subsequently developed lung and cardiac complications. He was shifted to SSKM Hospital on Monday, where he later developed kidney-related complications, sources said. His death has left the Bengali film and television industry mourning the loss of a filmmaker who worked across cinema, television and documentary filmmaking for several decades.Sen made his feature film debut with Damu in 1996. The film went on to win the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film. Over the course of his career, he directed several feature films, television serials and documentaries. His filmography included Atmiyo Swajan, Desh, Debipaksha, Krishnakant er Will, Laboratory and Maya Mridanga. His 2002 film Desh starred Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.Sen also directed documentaries on several prominent personalities and cultural figures, including Rabindra Sangeet exponent Suchitra Mitra.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Aug 16, 2026 16:01 IST