UBD Birthdays: Suchitra Sen

Suchitra Sen | Birthday Diva

Born as Rama Dasgupta on 6th April 1931, this legend of cinema had an unusual career. She started acting after marriage and the birth of her only child, Moon Moon Sen, who would later also become an actress herself.

Soon after entering into films she made it to the top and became the ultimate bong beauty of her generation. Even until today her films are popular on satellite television and her on-screen pairing with Uttam Kumar made them one of the most popular couples of Bengali cinema. Her career lasted well into the 70s, making her successful in 3 decades.

In 1963 she became the first Indian actress to be recognised internationally when she won an award at Moscow Film Festival.

Suchitra is best known for her roles in films like 'Devdas' [1955], 'Musafir' 1957], 'Bombai Ka Baboo' [1960], 'Sarhad' [1960], 'Mamta' [1966], 'Aandhi' [1975] - the latter for which she was nominated as Best Actress at the Filmfare Awards.

She was known for being choosy with her scripts and turned down acclaimed directors such as Raj Kapoor and Satyajit Ray at the peak of her career. And retired in 1978.

Today, the diva enjoys spending her time out of the spotlight, and allegedly refused a Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2005. Her two grand-daughters Raima Sen and Riya Sen are the next generation of stars having worked in acclaimed movies themselves.

Here's wishing Suchitra Sen a very warm Birthday wish :)

Follow Raima Sen on Twitter @RaimaSen

Grand-daughter Raima Sen