### Aparna Sen: An Icon of Bengali Cinema and Beyond
**Aparna Sen** (née Dasgupta), born on **25 October 1945**, is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and actress, predominantly known for her work in Bengali cinema. A towering figure in Indian cinema, she has been honored with numerous awards, including **nine National Film Awards**, **five Filmfare Awards East**, and **thirteen Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards**. In recognition of her contribution to the arts, the **Government of India** conferred upon her the **Padma Shri**, the nation's fourth-highest civilian honor.
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### Early Life and Education
Sen was born into a culturally prominent **Baidya family** in Kolkata, with roots in Cox's Bazar, now in Bangladesh.
- **Parents**:
- **Father**: Chidananda Dasgupta, a renowned critic and filmmaker.
- **Mother**: Supriya Dasgupta, a National Award-winning costume designer.
- **Notable Relatives**: She is the niece of the celebrated Bengali poet **Jibanananda Das**.
- **Education**: She studied at **Modern High School for Girls, Kolkata** and pursued a BA in English at **Presidency College**, though she did not complete her degree.
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### Acting Career
Aparna Sen’s acting career began at the age of **16** in Satyajit Ray’s *Teen Kanya* (1961), where she portrayed **Mrinmoyee** in the *Samapti* segment. She subsequently acted in four of Ray’s films, including *Jana Aranya* and *Pikoo*.
- **Bengali Cinema**:
Sen became a leading actress in Bengali cinema, with notable roles in films like *Basanta Bilap* (1973) and *Memsaheb* (1972).
- **Hindi Cinema**:
She also appeared in Bollywood films such as *Imaan Dharam* (1977), *Ek Din Achanak* (1989), and *Ghaath* (2000).
- **Later Years**:
In *Antaheen* (2009), she shared the screen with Sharmila Tagore and Rahul Bose, contributing to a film that won four National Film Awards. More recently, she starred in *Bohomaan* and *Basu Poribar* (2019).
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### Directorial Career
Aparna Sen transitioned to filmmaking with her debut film *36 Chowringhee Lane* (1981), earning her the **National Film Award for Best Director**. Known for her nuanced storytelling and focus on female-centric narratives, her films often address complex social issues.
- **Notable Works**:
- *Iti Mrinalini* (2011): A collaboration with screenwriter Ranjan Ghosh, this film became a first in Indian cinema, as the screenplay was sourced from a film institute curriculum.
- *Goynar Baksho* (2013): A critically acclaimed drama spanning three generations of women connected by a jewelry box.
- *Sonata* (2017): Adapted from Mahesh Elkunchwar’s play, this English-language film delves into the lives of three middle-aged, unmarried friends.
- *The Rapist* (2021): A powerful Hindi-language film exploring societal culpability in producing rapists. The film was nominated for the **Kim Jiseok Award** at the 26th **Busan International Film Festival**.
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### Style and Influences
Sen’s filmmaking reflects a blend of **introspective realism** and **cultural depth**, drawing significant influence from legendary filmmaker **Tapan Sinha**. She often portrays themes of womanhood, societal constraints, and generational shifts, earning her accolades for her thoughtful narratives and layered characters.
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### Legacy
Aparna Sen remains a pivotal figure in Indian cinema, not just for her remarkable acting but for her pioneering work as a filmmaker. By exploring challenging themes with a unique voice, she has left an indelible mark on the film industry, continuing to inspire audiences and creators alike.
