Aparna Sen
Born: 25 October 1945
Aparna Sen is a legendary figure in Indian cinema who has worn practically every hat in filmmaking—actress, director, and screenwriter. Starting her career in 1961, she's built an impressive legacy primarily in Bengali cinema, racking up an incredible nine National Film Awards along the way. Her work has earned her serious recognition with six Filmfare Awards East and thirteen Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards, making her one of the most decorated filmmakers in Indian cinema. The Government of India recognized her immense contributions to the arts by bestowing her with the Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award, cementing her status as a true cinematic icon. What sets Aparna Sen apart is her distinctive sensibility and fearless approach to storytelling—she's known for crafting nuanced, intelligent narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Her influence on Indian cinema extends beyond her own films; she's been a game-changer in how stories are told and characters are developed, particularly in bringing complex, layered female protagonists to the screen. While her heart has remained close to Bengali cinema, her body of work continues to inspire filmmakers across industries. Even with a career spanning decades, she remains active and relevant, consistently delivering work that proves that age is just a number when you've got talent, vision, and a story worth telling.
Awards & Nominations
• Padma Shri – the fourth highest civilian award by the Government of India in 1987. • National Film Award for Best Direction for 36 Chowringhee Lane in 1981 • National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English for36 Chowringhee Lane in 1981. • National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali for Paroma in 1984. • National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali for Yugant in 1995. • National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali, for Paromitar Ek Din in 2000. • National Film Award for Best Direction for Mr. and Mrs. Iyer in 2002. • Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration for Mr. and Mrs. Iyer in 2002. • National Film Award for Best Screenplay for Mr. and Mrs. Iyer in 2002. • National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English for 15 Park Avenue in 2005. • Karlovy Vary International Film Festival • Filmfare Awards East – Best Actress Award for Sujata in 1974. • Filmfare Awards East – Best Actress Award for Asamaya in 1976. • Filmfare Awards East – Best Actress Award for Bijoyini in 1982. • Filmfare Awards East – Best Actress Award for Indira in 1983. • Filmfare Awards East – Best Director Award for Parama in 1985. • BFJA Award-Best Actress Award for Aparachito in 1970 • BFJA Award-Best Actress Award for Sujata in 1975 • BFJA Award-Best Director Award for Parama in 1986 • BFJA Award-Best Screenplay Award for Parama in 1986 • BFJA Award-Best Actress Award for Ekanto Apan in 1988 • BFJA Award-Best Supporting Actress Award for Mahaprithibi in 1992 • BFJA Award-Best Actress Award for Swet Patharer Thala in 1993 • BFJA Award-Best Supporting Actress Award for Unishr April in 1997 • BFJA Award- Babulal Chowkhani Memorial Trophy for Original Story-Yugant in 1997 • BFJA Award-Best Actress Award for Paramitar Ek Din in 2001 • BFJA Award- Babulal Chowkhani Memorial Trophy for Original Story and Screenplay forParamitar Ek Din in 2001 • BFJA Award-Most Outstanding Work of the Year for Mr. and Mrs. Iyer in 2003 • BFJA Award-Life Time Achievement Award in 2013 • Anandalok Award-Best Actress in 2001 • Anandalok Award-Best Actress for "Titlee" in 2002 • Kalakar Award-Best Actress (Stage) Award for Bhalo Kharab Meye in 1993 • Kalakar Awards for Best Director for Paromitar Ek Dinin 2000. • Kalakar Award-Best Director Award for Iti Mrinalini in 2012 • Best Director Award at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne for The Rapist in 2022 • Filmfare Awards East Life Achievement Award in 2022.
