Dadasaheb Phalke award-winning film director Mrinal Sen, the last of the triumvirate of directing icons, Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak, passed away on Sunday. He was 95.

Sen took his last breath at 10:30 AM after a prolonged battle with age-related ailments, family sources said. “Sen passed away today around 10.30 am due to age- related ailments,” a family member said.

He is survived by his son. His wife, actor Geeta Sen, passed away last year.

The auteur, who has won multiple national awards, was known for his artistic depiction of social reality. The iconic director who started the “new wave of Indian cinema” with Bhuvan Shome, was one of the most acclaimed filmmakers to bring recognition to country’s film industry on international platforms. His 1982 Bengali film “Kharij” won the jury prize at the 1983 Cannes Film Festival.

A career spanning for more than six decades, Sen was one of the greatest ambassadors of parallel cinema directing films in both Bengali and Hindi. His trilogy—Interview, Calcutta 71 and Padatik—is considered to be a masterpiece for depicting the social and political upheaval in Kolkata in the ‘70s.

‘A loss to India’

President Ram Nath Kovind remembered the director for his “penetrating and sensitive portrayal of social realities”. “Sad to learn of the passing of acclaimed film-maker Mrinal Sen. From Bhuvan Shome to the Calcutta trilogy, his penetrating and sensitive portrayal of social realities made him a fine chronicler of our times. A loss to Bengal, to India and to the world of cinema,” the post from his official Twitter handle read.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condoled the demise of Sen on Twitter. “Saddened at the passing away of Mrinal Sen. A great loss to the film industry. My condolences to his family,” she tweeted.

CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury also remembered the filmmaker for his humanistic narrative. “Mrinal Sen’s passing away is a big loss not only to cinema but to the world of culture and India’s civilisational values. Mrinal da radicalised cinematography by his people-centric humanistic narrative. Deepest condolences,” he wrote.

Actor Amitabh Bachchan tweeted, “Mrinal Sen no more. A most amiable, distinguished creative cinematic mind , contemporary of Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak.. I did my first ever voice over in his film Bhuvan Shome Prayers and condolences.”

Renowned Bengali actor Parambrata Chatterjee tweeted, “End of an era... an epoch... legends never die... bhalo thakben (stay well).” Prosenjit Chatterjee said, “At the end of the year receiving news like demise of the legend Mrinal Sen saddens and shocks us. Mrinal-jethu gave a new perspective to Indian Cinema. It’s a huge loss for all of us. May his soul rest in peace.”

Veteran actor Soumitra Chatterjee, who had worked with film director, said Sen’s death was a “personal loss” to him and an irreparable loss to Indian cinema. Nandita Das tweeted, “I dreaded the day I would have to write about Mrinalda in past tense. But I knew it was coming. I met him last on Nov 11th. He was frail but he didn’t leave my hand. Mrinalda, the world, and for sure my world won’t be the same without you.”

Veteran actor and film director Aparna Sen said the news came as a shock to her. “RIP Mrinal Sen. One of the finest filmmakers. His films were an inspiration.. Contemporary of Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak,” Shoojit Sircar said.

Actor Mohanlal also mourned the Indian film industry’s loss in Sen’s death. “Mrinal Sen you will always be remembered. Rest in Peace,” he wrote.

Sen was born on May 14, 1923, in the town of Faridpur, now in Bangladesh. He did his post graduation from the University of Calcutta. As a student, he was influenced by Marxist ideology and was associated with the cultural wing of the Communist Party of India.

Although he never became a member of the party, but he was a part of the Indian Peoples’ Theatre Association. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1998 to 2003.

Sen’s last film as a director Aamaar Bhuvan (This, My Land) released in 2002.