Legendary film-maker Mrinal Sen passes into the ages

'Mrinal jethu gave a new perspective to Indian Cinema.'

Dadasaheb Phalke Award-winning film director Mrinal Sen passed away on Sunday after a prolonged battle with age-related ailments, family sources said. He was 95.

The Padma Bhushan awardee, best known for films like Neel Akasher Neechey, Bhuvan Shome, Ek Din Achanak, Padatik and Mrigayaa, was one of the most acclaimed film-makers of the country and an ambassador of parallel cinema.

"Mrinal Sen passed away today around 10.30 am due to age-related ailments," a family member said.

The auteur, who has won multiple National Film awards, was known for his artistic depiction of social reality.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled Sen's death.

'Saddened at the passing away of Mrinal Sen. A great loss to the film industry. My condolences to his family,' Banerjee tweeted.

Communist Party of India General Secretary Sitaram Yechury remembered the film-maker for his humanistic narrative.

'Mrinal Sen's passing away is a big loss not only to Cinema but to the world of Culture & India's civilisational values. Mrinalda radicalised cinematography by his people-centric humanistic narrative. Deepest condolences,' Yechury wrote.

'End of an era... an epoch... legends never die... bhalo thakben (stay well)', actor Parambrata Chatterjee tweeted.

'At the end of the year receiving news like demise of the legend Mrinal Sen saddens and shocks us,' superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee said.

'Mrinal jethu (uncle) gave a new perspective to Indian Cinema. It's a huge loss for all of us. May his soul rest in peace.'