Veteran Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen, whose 1996 directorial debut Damu won the National Film Award for Best Children's Film, died at a state-run hospital in Kolkata on Sunday. He was 71.

Sen had been undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital for multiple health complications and was on ventilator support. A senior doctor at the hospital said his condition had worsened considerably in recent days after complications involving his lungs, heart and kidneys.

"He had multiple complications and his condition remained critical despite treatment. He was on ventilator support," the doctor said.

Sen was initially admitted to a private hospital after suffering an injury to his lower back. His condition later deteriorated, with lung and cardiac complications developing during treatment. He was shifted to SSKM Hospital on Monday, where he subsequently developed kidney-related complications, according to hospital sources.

Raja Sen's career in Bengali cinema

Sen made his feature film debut with Damu in 1996. The film went on to win the National Film Award for Best Children's Film, establishing one of the defining milestones of his long career in Bengali cinema.

Over the years, Sen directed feature films, television serials and documentaries. His filmography included Atmiyo Swajan, Desh, Debipaksha, Krishnakant er Will, Laboratory and Maya Mridanga.

His 2002 film Desh featured Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.

Beyond fiction filmmaking, Sen also directed documentaries on prominent personalities and cultural figures, including noted Rabindra Sangeet exponent Suchitra Mitra.

With PTI inputs