Picture this: two absolute legends of Indian cinema, Kamal Haasan and Aparna Sen. We’ve all seen their incredible work on screen, right? But what if there was another story playing out behind the scenes? Something quieter, maybe a little more personal?
Well, hold onto your hats, because thanks to a totally candid moment from Shruti Haasan, we might just have stumbled onto one of the sweetest, most unexpected secrets in recent film history.
It all came out while Shruti was chatting with Sathyaraj about her dad’s legendary dedication to his craft. They were talking about how Kamal learned Bengali for a film project (no big deal, right? He’s Kamal Haasan). But then Sathyaraj mentioned Shruti’s own multilingual skills, and Shruti just… paused. And then she dropped this bombshell with a little laugh:
“No, no. Do you know why he learnt Bengali? Because at that time, he was in love with Aparna Sen. He learnt Bengali to impress her, he did not learn it for films.”
Kamal Hassan & Aparna Sen
Wait, what?! Kamal Haasan, the man who speaks like, a dozen languages fluently, picked up another one… just because he admired Aparna Sen that much? That’s the kind of dedication you usually only see in movies!
But Shruti didn’t stop there. She leaned in and revealed the real mic-drop moment: “Even in Hey Ram, Rani Mukerji is named Aparna after her.”
Yep. You read that right. Rani Mukerji’s character in that epic, historical film? Kamal named her Aparna. As a tribute. To Aparna Sen.
Suddenly, a whole new layer to Hey Ram just clicked into place, didn’t it? It wasn’t just a film about history and politics anymore. There was this quiet, personal thread woven right into the script – a little piece of admiration hidden in plain sight for years.
Was it a grand, dramatic love story? Or just a deep, respectful, intellectual kind of crush? Honestly, we might never know the full truth. But what we do know is that Kamal Haasan, the ultimate craftsman, let his heart guide his art in a way that’s both incredibly sweet and totally fascinating.
So, let’s dive in, shall we? Let’s unpack this sweet little mystery, this hidden tribute to Aparna Sen
Contents
Who is Aparna Sen?
When people talk about Bengali cinema, Satyajit Ray’s name comes first. But there’s another filmmaker who deserves equal credit for shaping modern Indian cinema – Aparna Sen. Actor, director, writer, and quiet revolutionary, she’s the woman behind films like “Mr. and Mrs. Iyer” and “36 Chowringhee Lane.”
Her journey started at 16 when Ray cast her in “Teen Kanya.” Most actresses would have been content with such a legendary start. Not Aparna Sen. In the 1970s, when female directors were almost unheard of in India, she picked up the camera and started telling her own stories.
She didn’t just switch careers – she excelled at both. As an actress, she lit up the screen in Bengali classics like “Akash Kusum” and “Basanta Bilap.” As a director, she’s won three National Awards and international acclaim. Her films don’t shy away from tough topics either – loneliness among Anglo-Indians, communal violence, mental health, climate change. Each one leaves you thinking.
South Indian superstar Kamal Haasan was so impressed by her that he reportedly learned Bengali just to get her attention. He even named a character after her in his film “Hey Ram.” But that’s a story for another day.
Today, at 78, Aparna Sen continues to make films that matter. She’s proof that great cinema doesn’t need big budgets or loud promotions – just honest storytelling and the courage to say something meaningful.
Whether you’re a film buff, a feminist, or just someone who loves good storytelling, Aparna Sen’s journey from actress to auteur is one you need to know about. Ready to discover why she’s called the First Lady of Bengali Cinema?
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on October 25, 1945, in Kolkata, Aparna Sen (née Dasgupta) grew up in a family that valued art and literature. Her father, Chidananda Dasgupta, was a renowned film critic and co-founder of the Calcutta Film Society. Her mother, Supriya Dasgupta, was a costume designer. Growing up in this artistic household meant dinner table conversations about Bergman and Fellini rather than typical family chatter.
She attended Modern High School for Girls in Kolkata, where she developed her love for literature and drama. Later, she pursued her graduation from Presidency College, Kolkata – though her film career took off before she could complete her degree. At just 16, Satyajit Ray discovered her, and education took a backseat to cinema.
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• Full Name: Aparna Sen (née Das)
• Date & Place of Birth: 25 October 1945, Calcutta (now Kolkata), Bengal Presidency, British India
• Schooling: Modern High School for Girls, Kolkata – a prestigious English-medium institution that shaped her early interest in literature and drama.
• Higher Education: Earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English from Presidency College, Kolkata (now Presidency University). The college’s liberal arts environment honed her critical thinking and storytelling skills.
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Marriages and Relationships
FIRST MARRIAGE – SANJOY SEN (1960s)
• Husband: Sanjoy Sen, a science graduate and later a well-known journalist with The Statesman.
• Year of Marriage: 1968 (Aparna was 23).
• Children: One daughter, Kamalini Sen (b. 1969).
• Separation: The couple divorced in the mid-1970s.
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SECOND MARRIAGE – MUKUL SHARMA (1978-2005)
• Husband: Mukul Sharma, respected science writer and novelist (author of “The Ultimate Swindle”).
• Wedding Year: 1978.
• Children:
– Konkona Sen Sharma (b. 3 Dec 1979) – National Award-winning actor.
– Durga Sen (b. 1984) – singer-songwriter and front-woman of the folk-rock band The Ganesh Talkies.
• Divorce: Amicably separated in 2005 after 27 years of marriage.
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CURRENT PARTNER – KALYAN RAY (2009-PRESENT)
• Relationship Status: Married journalist-author Kalyan Ray in a private ceremony in December 2009.
• Kalyan Ray’s Background: Professor of English at County College of Morris, New Jersey, and novelist (“No Country”).
• Residence: The couple divides time between Kolkata and New York, enabling Aparna Sen’s transnational filmmaking.
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CHILDREN IN DETAIL
a) Kamalini Sen
– Profession: Documentary filmmaker and media educator.
– Grandson: Aparna is grandmother to Kamalini’s son, Aryaveer Sen.
b) Konkona Sen Sharma
– Awards: Two National Film Awards (Best Actress for “Mr. and Mrs. Iyer,” Best Debut for “36 Chowringhee Lane”).
– Marriage: Was married to actor Ranvir Shorey (2010-2020); they share a son, Haroon Shorey.
c) Durga Sen
– Music: Lead vocalist and guitarist with The Ganesh Talkies.
– Singles: “Tic Tic,” “Chaap Nis Na” – blending Bengali folk with indie-rock.
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FAMILY LIFE & PERSONAL INTERESTS
• Languages: Fluent in English, Bengali, and Hindi.
• Hobbies: Reading 19th-century literature, photography, and classical music.
• Social Causes: Active in gender-rights campaigns and mental-health awareness in Bengal.
• Pet Love: Rescued indie dogs at both Kolkata and New York residences.
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Aparna Sen – Personal Life at a Glance
🟢 Born
25 Oct 1945 • Kolkata, India
🎓 Education
Modern High → Presidency College → Cambridge School of Art
💍 Marriages
• 1970 – 1978 • Sanjay Sen (science writer)
• 1978 – 2016 • Mukul Sharma (author & columnist) †
👨👩👧👦 Children
• Konkona Sen Sharma – National-Award actor
• Kamalini Sen – Visual artist
👶 Grandchild
Haroon Shorey (b. 2011)
In Her Own Words
“I don’t make films to please people. I make them because I have something to say.” — Aparna Sen
Aparna Sen Career
Aparna Sen’s acting career began brilliantly at just 15 when photographer Brian Brake spotted her, landing her on the cover of Life magazine in 1960. Her big break came a year later with Satyajit Ray’s Teen Kanya (1961), where she played Mrinmoyee in the “Samapti” segment. Working with Ray, a family friend, set the stage for a legendary career.
Sen became a collagen of Bengali cinema in the 1960s-70s, starring in iconic films like Akash Kusum (1965, directed by Mrinal Sen), Basanta Bilap (1973), and Memsaheb (1972). She also explored Hindi cinema with roles in Imaan Dharam (1977), Ek Din Achanak (1989), and Ghaath (2000).
Known for her natural, nuanced performances, Sen tackled complex characters throughout her career. Her role in Antaheen (2009) with Sharmila Tagore and Rahul Bose earned four National Film Awards, cementing her status as a master actress.
Even in her 70s, Sen continues to dazzle. Recent films like Bohomaan and Basu Poribar (2019) highlight her enduring appeal, proving that her talent remains timeless.
Key highlights:
- Breakthrough in Satyajit Ray’s Teen Kanya (1961)
- Collaborations with legends like Ray and Mrinal Sen
- National Film Awards for Antaheen (2009)
- Active in both Bengali and Hindi cinema for over six decades
Her career spans over 60 years, blending grace, depth, and versatility—making her an icon of Indian cinema.
Aparna Sen: From Acting to Directing – A Bold New Chapter
When Aparna Sen transitioned from acting to directing in the 1980s, she brought the same intensity to storytelling. Her debut film, 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981), starring Jennifer Kendal and produced by Shashi Kapoor, instantly cemented her reputation. This English-language drama about loneliness in old age earned her the National Film Award for Best Direction—a rare feat for a first-time director.
Influenced by mentors like Tapan Sinha, Sen’s directing style is intimate and unflinching, often focusing on women’s struggles and societal taboos. She writes or adapts her scripts, weaving personal experiences into universal themes.
Standout Films in Aparna Sen’s Directing Career
Here’s a glimpse into her impactful work:
- Parama (1985): A daring story of a woman’s awakening, starring Raakhee.
- Mr. and Mrs. Iyer (2002): A critically acclaimed tale of communal harmony, featuring her daughter Konkona Sen Sharma.
- Iti Mrinalini (2011): A semi-autobiographical film where Sen starred alongside Konkona and Rajat Kapoor.
- Goynar Baksho (2013): A multi-generational comedy-drama based on a Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay novel.
- Arshinagar (2015): A modern Bengali twist on Romeo and Juliet.
- The Rapist (2021): A gritty, award-nominated drama exploring societal evils, starring Konkona and Arjun Rampal.
Sen’s films often blend family dynamics with social commentary, earning her praise as a visionary storyteller. Her collaborations with family members, like Konkona, add emotional depth to her work.
Why she matters: Sen’s directing career isn’t just about films—it’s about challenging norms and giving voice to marginalized stories. For fans, her movies are a masterclass in bold, compassionate storytelling.
Looking to explore her films? Start with Teen Kanya or Antaheen for a masterclass in acting.
Aparna Sen Net Worth
Aparna Sen, the queen of Indian parallel cinema, isn’t just a name synonymous with groundbreaking films; she’s also a financial success story in her own right. Known for classics like Mr. and Mrs. Iyer and 36 Chowringhee Lane, Aparna Sen’s net worth reflects her decades-long career as an actor, director, and cultural icon.
📊 How Much Is Aparna Sen Worth in 2025?
Aparna Sen’s net worth is estimated at ₹12–25 crore (around $1.4–3 million USD) as of 2025, according to industry insiders and entertainment portals. While exact figures aren’t public—Sen keeps her finances private—this estimate highlights her success in a field where art often trumps commerce.
Key Income Streams
- Directing & Production
- Founded Rochona Films, producing all her films since 1981.
- Profit Share: Earned royalties from classics like Mr. and Mrs. Iyer (₹4.5 crore gross) and The Japanese Wife (₹12 crore gross).
- Budget Control: Early films like Paroma (1983) were made on shoestring budgets (₹8 lakhs) but became profitable cult hits.
- Acting Fees
- Commanded ₹1–2 crore per film in her later acting roles (e.g., Bhootnath Returns, 2014).
- Earned ₹50–75 lakhs per Bengali film in the 2000s.
- Awards & Honors
- Cash Prizes:
- National Film Awards: ₹1 lakh each (Best Actress/Director).
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2023): ₹10 lakh + gold medal.
- Padma Bhushan (2017): No cash, but prestige boosted opportunities.
- Cash Prizes:
- Real Estate
- Kolkata Properties: Owns multiple properties in South Kolkata (estimated value: $3–4M).
- Mumbai: Maintains a residence for work (₹5–7 crore value).
- Royalties & Streaming
- Films like Mr. and Mrs. Iyer and The Japanese Wife stream on Netflix/Amazon, generating ongoing revenue.
- International distribution rights sold to 52+ countries for The Japanese Wife (2010).
Expenses & Lifestyle
- (Low-Key): Avoids luxury cars or ostentatious displays.
- Philanthropy: Supports Kolkata-based arts NGOs and women’s shelters.
- Production Investments: Reinvests profits into Rochona Films for new projects.
Comparison to Industry Peers
- Higher than most Bengali directors (e.g., Rituparno Ghosh’s estate was ~$5M at his death).
- Lower than mainstream Bollywood directors (e.g., Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s net worth: $50M+), reflecting her focus on parallel cinema.
“I measure success in changed minds, not bank balances.”
Her net worth reflects a lifetime of consistent, meaningful work—proof that parallel cinema can be both impactful and financially sustainable.
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