Legendary actress Suchitra Sen passed away at 82

Veteran Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, 82, who is popularly known for playing Paro in Bimal Roy’s “Devdas”, has passed away on 17 Jan, 2014.

The actress was hospitalized in Kolkata for respiratory problems and died of cardiac attack. Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee said that her demise is a big loss and a day of great sorrow and they are devastated.

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, former West Bengal Chief Minister expressed his condolences on Friday saying that she was a rare blend of personality and beauty and Bengali cinema would remain indebted to her for her contributions.

Suchitra was known for her acting prowess in her three-decade long film career spanning 52 Bengali movies and 7 Hindi movies. She is remembered for her pairing with Uttam Kumar with whom she delivered hits like “Agnipariksha”, “Sagarika”, “Harano Sur” and several others.

In 1975, Suchitra created a stir by featuring in the controversial Hindi film “Aandhi”, playing a role bearing striking resemblance to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The movie was banned and saw light only after a new government was formed.

Suchitra was the mother of actress Moon Moon Sen and grandmother of Bollywood actresses Riya Sen and Raima Sen. Her body was cremated on a sandalwood pyre at Keoratola ghats after full state honours and a 21-gun salute. Her daughter Moon Moon Sen lit the pyre at around 1.45 pm while thousands of people were present to pay their final respects.