Raja Sen, National Award-Winning Bengali Filmmaker, Dies at 71

Veteran Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Kolkata at the age of 71. The Bengali film and television industry is in deep sorrow as they have lost a renowned filmmaker. Sen was under treatment at SSKM Hospital as he had been suffering from multiple illnesses and he was even on ventilator. He was particularly well-known for making a film titled Damu which bagged him a National Award and was his first venture into feature films in 1996. Raja Sen made numerous films, serials and documentaries and left a unique imprint on Bengali cinema during his long and illustrious career.

Raja Sen Passes Away Due to Multiple Health Issues

Raja Sen was admitted to a private hospital after getting an injury in his lower back.

He was reported by hospital sources to be suffering from multiple issues including those affecting his heart and lungs. Later, he was shifted to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata where he developed kidney complications.

His senior doctor at the hospital stated that his health continued to remain serious in spite of the treatment.

Damu: Raja Sen’s First Feature Film

Damu was Raja Sen’s first feature film that won him the National Film Award for the Best Children’s Film in 1996.

The film made Raja Sen a significant filmmaker in Bengali cinema and is considered his most famous film ever.

He continued making films not only for children but also on the subject of literature and humans.

Filmography of Raja Sen

Some of Raja Sen’s well-known films were as follows,

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

Desh, his film in 2002, starred Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.

Work for Television and Documentaries

Not only did Raja Sen make films but he also made documentaries and television programs.

These documentaries covered the lives of important people of the time who contributed something valuable to the cultural heritage of Bengal.

Such an example is his documentary on Suchitra Mitra, who is known for her expertise in Rabindra Sangeet.

The documentary work of Raja Sen added another dimension to his professional life and career.

Contribution to Bengali Entertainment Industry

Being of that generation of filmmakers, Sen had to deal with television and cinema at that time when India went through many changes in those fields.

Raja Sen made films, serials and documentaries so he was able to connect with the audience by using various types of media.

The fact that he won a National Award for his first movie proves his contribution to Bengali entertainment industry.

At the age of 71, Raja Sen left us all forever.