Kolkata, August 16, 2026: Veteran Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen, celebrated for his sensitive storytelling and National Award-winning contributions to Indian cinema, passed away in Kolkata on Sunday after a prolonged illness. He was 71. Sen was undergoing treatment at the state-run SSKM Hospital, where he had been on ventilator support due to multiple health complications involving his lungs, heart, and kidneys.

His death marks the end of an illustrious career that spanned decades across feature films, television serials, and documentaries, leaving a lasting impact on Bengali cinema and Indian filmmaking as a whole.

According to hospital sources, Raja Sen's health had deteriorated significantly over the last few days. He was initially admitted to a private medical facility following a lower-back injury. During treatment, he developed serious lung and heart complications and was later shifted to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. Subsequently, kidney-related complications further worsened his condition. Despite intensive medical care, the acclaimed filmmaker succumbed to his illness on August 16.

The news of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from filmmakers, actors, and admirers across the Bengali entertainment industry, many remembering him as a visionary storyteller and a mentor to younger artists.

Raja Sen began his creative journey in television before making his feature film debut with "Damu" in 1996. The film, centered on the bond between a young boy and an elephant, earned the National Film Award for Best Children's Film, instantly establishing Sen as one of the most promising voices in Bengali cinema.

Over the years, he developed a reputation for creating films that blended emotional depth with social relevance. His works often explored familial relationships, human values, and cultural traditions, themes that resonated strongly with audiences.

Throughout his distinguished career, Sen directed several acclaimed films including:

• Damu
• Atmiyo Swajan
• Desh
• Debipaksha
• Krishnakant er Will
• Laboratory
• Maya Mridanga
• Bhalobasar Galpo

His 2002 film "Desh" was notable for featuring Bollywood stars Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, reflecting his ability to bridge regional and mainstream Indian cinema.

Apart from feature films, Sen also directed documentaries on prominent cultural personalities, including renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent Suchitra Mitra, contributing significantly to the preservation of Bengal's artistic heritage.

Raja Sen's contributions to cinema earned him widespread recognition, including three National Film Awards during his career. His work stood out for its nuanced portrayal of human emotions and its commitment to meaningful storytelling.

Many in the industry credit him with creating films that balanced artistic integrity with accessibility, making him one of the most respected filmmakers in Bengali cinema. His influence extended beyond movies into television and documentary filmmaking, where he continued to nurture storytelling traditions rooted in Bengali culture.

As tributes continue to pour in, Raja Sen is being remembered not only for his award-winning films but also for his dedication to the craft of filmmaking. Colleagues and admirers have described him as a creative force who enriched Bengali cinema with stories that were heartfelt, socially conscious, and deeply human.

With his passing, Indian cinema loses a filmmaker whose work transcended generations and genres. However, his films, documentaries, and television projects ensure that his artistic legacy will continue to inspire audiences and filmmakers for years to come.

Raja Sen is survived by his wife, Papiya Sen, and their two daughters.