Aparna Sen is a highly acclaimed and accomplished figure in both Bengali and Indian cinema, showcasing exceptional talent in both acting and directing parallel cinema.
Born in 1945 in Kolkata, Aparna hails from a family with a strong connection to the film industry, with her father being the renowned film critic and filmmaker Late Chidananda Das Gupta. She received her education at the prestigious Modern High School and later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Presidency College, Kolkata.
Aparna's first film appearance occurred at the tender age of sixteen in Satyajit Ray's Three Daughters (1961),marking the beginning of her illustrious acting career. She has since acted in numerous films in leading roles, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in Indian cinema.
In 1981, Aparna made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981),which garnered national and international recognition, including prestigious awards. This milestone marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career as a director, with Aparna going on to helm a wide range of films tackling diverse subjects.
Many of her films have received widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally, cementing her status as a highly respected and accomplished director. Aparna subsequently relocated to Mumbai, where she continues to create films in Hindi and English.
In addition to her work in cinema, Aparna has also had a successful career in theatre, having acted in both little theatre groups and commercial theatres for an extended period. Furthermore, she has also served as the editor of the popular Bengali magazine Sananda for an extended duration.