Who was Mrinal Sen? Veteran filmmaker passes away at 95

Mrinal Sen reportedly passed away on Sunday morning at his residence in Bhowanipore. The 95-year-old filmmaker reportedly suffered a heart attack and died at 10.30 am.

One care-taker informed media about Sen's death. A doctor was called after his health deteriorated, but he could not be saved.

"A doctor was called in after his health deteriorated. The doctor pronounced him dead. He suffered a cardiorespiratory failure. As per his wish, his body will not be kept anywhere. His body will be kept in a mortuary and we will await the return of his son. Further decisions will be taken after Kunal's return," The Indian Express quoted the care-taker as saying. While Sen's wife had passed away last year, his son Kunal stays in Chicago.

Many on social media including the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind expressed grief at the loss.

"Sad to learn of the passing of acclaimed film-maker Mrinal Sen. From Bhuvan Shome to the Calcutta trilogy, his penetrating and sensitive portrayal of social realities made him a fine chronicler of our times. A loss to Bengal, to India and to the world of cinema," Kovind tweeted.

Sen reportedly was suffering from age-related ailments for some years and had remained mostly out of public glare. Honoured with several awards including Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Sen was one of the most prominent filmmakers of the Bengali film industry. He was known as one of the greatest ambassadors of Bengali parallel cinema.