Maa Kaali: Raima Sen revisits Bengal’s history at IFFI 2024
'Maa Kali' explores the tragic events of the 1946 Direct Action Day and the Noakhali Massacres, highlighting political conspiracies and their enduring impact on society.
Born on 6 April 1931 as Roma Dasgupta, Bengali cinema’s one of the most celebrated actresses Suchitra Sen is still alive in the hearts of her fans. The actress, a recipient of Padma Shri, has an exceptional contribution to the film industry and her daughter Moon Moon Sen and granddaughter Ria and Raima Sen have carried her legacy.
Still known as the leading lady of megastar Uttam Kumar, Suchitra Sen started her career with the film Shesh Kothaay in 1952 which later released after 20 years as Shrabon Sandhya.
Suchitra Sen was already married, and a mother, when she became an actress. As a 21-year-old, she featured in the film Saare Chuattur in 1953 alongside Uttam Kumar. The duo thereon has been addressed as the most iconic pair in the Bengali cinema. In her career span, Suchitra Sen has featured in 60 films and played some remarkable characters which are still cherished.
ALSO READ: READ MORE: 5 Bengali comedy films you should watch to have a hearty laugh
On the 87th birth anniversary of the talented actress, let’s look back at the best performances of Suchitra Sen.
Devdas (1955)- Bimal Roy’s Devdas was the most iconic films of Suchitra Sen’s career and her role as Paro still lingers. The actress made her debut in Bollywood with Devdas and brought Parvati’s character to life.
Harano Sur (1957)- Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen together are a treat to watch. After meeting with a train accident, Alok (Uttam Kumar) ends up in a mental asylum. A doctor there takes some major steps, which make his condition worse. Suchitra Sen as a junior doctor rescues him and gradually falls in love with him.
Advertisement
Deep Jwele Jaai (1959)- Based on a story titled Nurse Mitra, Suchitra Sen essayed the role of a nurse who works in a psychiatric hospital. She believes patients suffering from mental illness should be given extra care and develops an attachment with one of the patients. Eventually, incapable of bearing the pressure of her job, she ends up getting admitted in the same ward. The film was remade in Hindi as Khamoshi with Rajesh Khanna and Waheeda Rehman in the lead.
Advertisement
Chawa Pawa(1959)- Another remarkable film by Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen, the comedy-drama narrates the story of a young man Rajat who stumbles upon a rich girl Manju and initially annoyed by her spoilt nature. Meanwhile, he plans to acquire some wealth after handing her over to her father. In the journey, the adventurous tale turns into a sensitive romance as the two characters fall in love.
Aandhi (1975)- The political drama directed by Gulzar has Suchitra Sen as an established politician who bumps into her ex-husband in a hotel managed by him during an election. This encounter revives the memories of her early years with JK played by Sanjeev Kapoor. Years after the separation she still feels for him yet is unable to express herself.
After giving us astounding films Suchitra Sen retired from her acting career in 1978. The beautiful actress died on 17 January 2014 due to lung infection.
Advertisement
