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New Delhi: Raja Sen, a well-known name of Bengali cinema and director who won the National Award for films like 'Damu', is no more. He breathed his last on Sunday, August 16, 2026, after a prolonged illness, in a government hospital in Kolkata. He was 71 years old. The film industry and fans are shocked by the news of his departure.

Died in SSKM hospital    

According to PTI, Raja Sen was undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. He was on ventilator support for several days. A doctor of the hospital said, "He had many health problems. Despite treatment the condition remained critical."  

It is being told that initially he was admitted to a private hospital due to a lower back injury. During treatment there, he developed lung and heart problems.

Later he was taken to SSKM, where kidney problem was also revealed. He is survived by his wife Papiya Sen and two daughters Subhashree and Shreyoshi. People and fans of Bengali film industry are continuously paying tribute to him on social media.

Got recognition from Damu    

Raja Sen made his feature film debut in 1996 with the film 'Damu'. It was a children's film and won the National Film Award for 'Best Children's Film'. This film established him as a serious and sensitive director in Bengali cinema. Before coming to films, he started his career with television. After working on the small screen, he came to cinema and created his own identity.

Won National Award thrice    

Raja Sen won three National Film Awards in his career. Apart from 'Damu', he made films like 'Debipaksha', 'Desh' and 'Bhalobasar Galpo', which were appreciated by both critics and audiences.

His last completed film 'Bhalobasar Galpo' was released in 2019. Earlier in 2016, 'Maya Mridang' was released. Deep layers of relationships, society and human sensibilities were visible in his films.

end of an era    

Raja Sen's name was not limited to Bengali films only. He also worked in television and documentaries. His style of storytelling was simple, but left a deep impact.

With his death at the age of 71, Bengali cinema lost a director who was known for true stories more than awards. This is a big loss for the film industry.