Suchitra Sen (b. 1934), the reclusive, enigmatic queen of Bengali cinema, called the Greta Garbo of Calcutta, still enjoys top billing on television. Suchitra, whose real name is Rama Sen, began with a small role in a movie called Kajari. Her first lead was in Ardhendu Mukhopadhya's Dhooli, which was released after Bhagawan Srikrishna Chaitanya (1953).

Suchitra produced umpteen hits - Shaap Mochan, Sagarika, Harano Shoor, Deep Jele Jaye, Uttar Falguni, Saptapadi and Grihadaha. These films created a distinctive larger-than-life and charismatic image, and she became a source of inspiration for younger actresses. Suchitra Sen became the first Indian actress to bag an international award when she received the Best Actress award at the Moscow Film Festival in 1963 for her role in Saat Pake Bandha.

Her notable Hindi films include Gulzar's Aandhi (which was banned by Mrs Indira Gandhi during the Emergency), and Mamata, with Dharmendra. However, what is probably most memorable is her on-screen chemistry with superstar actor Uttam Kumar, with whom she had the majority of her famous films: Saptapadi, Harano Shoor, Chawa-Pawa, Sharey Chuattar to name a few. The Uttam-Suchitra duo lasted for more than 20 years and saw a kind of popularity unprecedented in Bengali, or even Indian cinema.

Suchitra retired from films in 1978, and retired to a fully reclusive life. Her daughter Moon Moon and now grand daughters are also involved with the Bollywood and Calcutta film industries.