An enigma even in her final journey; president, PM, BNP chief condole
Iconic Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, often described as India’s Greta Garbo after she quit acting at the height of her career to lead a hermit-like existence, died on Friday aged 82, reports AFP. The star had been ill in hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata since last month and died after suffering a massive heart attack, the Press Trust of India reported. Much like her life after movies, the final journey of legendary actress Suchitra Sen too was a quiet affair with the administration taking measures honouring her wish of keeping her face away from public gaze. The body of Sen was carried to her Ballygunge residence in a coffin inside a hearse fitted with dark glasses and covered with floral wreaths. The ‘Mahanayika’ remained virtually invisible to the public during the entire process.
Adequate security measures were put in place to ensure that her body was smoothly taken out of Belle Vue Clinic as hundreds of fans gathered around the medical facility hoping to get a glimpse of the screen-goddess who has been an enigma after she shunned the arclights and went into reclusion. Even her house
was cordoned off with heavy deployment of security personnel and only a chosen few could pay their last respects.
Mamata Banerjee, who rushed to the nursing home soon after getting the news and accompanied the hearse to the actress’s home, appealed to the masses to respect the wishes of the family to have peaceful and quiet final rites.
Inconsolable yet curious fans assembled outside Sen’s house hoping to get a glimpse of the face which had captivated generations for years, but they had to remain content with paying homage from outside as a security ring was thrown around to prevent any access.
Sen acted in over 50 movies between 1952 and 1978 of which six were in Hindi. She went into recluse after her last film was released. Over the past three decades she withdrew herself from public life and did not meet people except her family members.
Her first films released in 1953, including “Sare Chuattor” (74-and-a-half) with co-star Uttam Kumar, an on-screen romantic pairing that endured for almost two decades.
In 1963, she won the best actress award at the Moscow Film Festival. While best known for her work in eastern India, Sen also made her mark in Hindi-language Bollywood movies such as “Devdas” and “Aandhi” (Storm).
She left the acting world in 1978 and subsequently lived in quiet seclusion.
Suchitra Sen was born as Rama Dasgupta at Pabna in Bangladesh in 1931 to Karunamoy and Indira Dasgupta.
The President and the Prime Minister of led the nation to condole the death of legendary actress.
In a message of condolence, President Abdul Hamid said the death of the legendary actress was end to one of the glorious eras of Bengali cinema. “Suchitra Sen was also an asset to Bangladesh as her native home is in Pabna,” he added.
The President said Bengalis have lost a charismatic figure of classical Bengali cinema.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to Suchitra Sen as the Greta Garbo of Bengali movies. “She was one of the most admired actresses and a distinctive figure of classical Bengali daughter, wife and caring mother,” the PM said.
Hasina said Suchitra Sen, whose films mainly focused on the regions of Bengal and Bangladesh, will be ever remembered as an inspiration for making ameliorative cinemas on Bengali literature and culture.
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia said, “She will be remembered forever for her acting performance and glory that she achieved as a film actress. She could mesmerise film lovers through her magic touch of acting. All the Bengali-speaking people shall remember her.”
In a condolence message, Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad said the late actress’ contribution to Bengali films can never be forgotten. “The aesthetic performances of Suchitra Sen will forever remain etched on the memories of the Bangla speaking people. We have lost an ever-shining star of the cine-industry with her demise. The loss is irreparable,” he said.
The Bangladesh film fraternity described Suchitra Sen as an immortal idol.
Actor Raj Razzak said, “It is true that Suchitra Sen is not physically present on earth. But the bigger truth is that her performances will keep her alive among us for centuries.”
Recalling his admiration for Suchitra Sen, the actor said, “I had been an ardent fan of Suchitra since my childhood when I first saw her in the film Basu Paribar. I was also a great fan of Uttam Kumer. I was such a fan of both Suchitra and Uttam that I used to carry their photos in my pocket,” he added.
“Once, I had a glimpse of Suchitra during a shooting. I still cherish the memory,” he said. Chashi Nazrul Islam said, “Suchitra Sen created history on screen. She was a celestial beauty and a shining star on black and white celluloid.”
Actress Farida Akhter Babita said, “It’s really hard to believe that Suchitra Sen is no more among us. She was living in self seclusion for about four decades. She will remain an evergreen and shining star among all the people.”
Actress Kohinur Akhter Suchanda said, “I have seen the performance of many actresses but only Suchitra Sen has influenced me. I have tried to imitate this great actress.”
Actor Faruque said, “Suchitra Sen was an example of captivating beauty. Her classical style of performance enthralled all. Though she had left acting a long time ago, her films remain captivating even today.”
Courtesy of The Independent
