Filmmaker Mrinal Sen passes away

Prolific filmmaker Mrinal Sen passed away on Sunday morning due to age-related ailments. He was 95. He reportedly died of heart attack at around 10:30 am at his residence in Bhowanipore, Kolkata. He is survived by his son Kunal Sen, who stays in Chicago.

The caretaker who was looking after him informed the media about his death. “A doctor called was in after his health deteriorated. The doctor pronounced him dead. He suffered a cardio respiratory failure. As per his wish, his body will not be kept anywhere. His body will be kept in a mortuary and we will await the return of his son. Further decisions will be taken after Kunal’s return,” Indian Express quoted the caretaker.

Born on 14 May 1923, in the town of Faridpur, now in Bangladesh, he moved to Calcutta for further studies.  Sen studied physics at Scottish Church College and subsequently did a postgraduate at the University of Calcutta. He was also involved with the cultural wing of the Communist Party of India.

Mrinal Sen made his first feature film, Raat Bhore, in 1955, that even won him a National Award. Bhuvan Shome also initiated the “New Cinema” film movement in India.

The Padma Bhusan awardee was not keeping well for some years. He had also been conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2003, besides receiving awards from several film festivals across the world for his films.