Suchitra Sen`s condition worsens, put on ventilator support

Kolkata: Iconic Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, under treatment in the critical care unit (CCU) of a nursing home here, has been put under non-invasive ventilator support after her condition deteriorated, a medical bulletin said Friday. Sen`s breathing problem has increased leading to dipping of her oxygen saturation and thus necessitating the ventilator support.

Undergoing treatment for a chest infection at the hospital, she was Sunday night rushed to the CCU after her condition deteriorated and the heartbeat became irregular. "However, her other vital parameters like heart rate and blood pressure remain stable. She continues to take light diet," said the statement. Sen was seen by two chest specialists Friday. Her health is being monitored by a cardiologist and chest physician of the medical team set up for her treatment. Sen, 82, was admitted to the nursing home Dec 23 after she complained of breathlessness. Starting her film career with Bengali movie "Sharey Chuattor", she is known for her performances in films like "Deep Jwele Jaai" and "Uttar Falguni" in the same language as well as Hindi movies "Devdas", "Bambai Ka Babu" and "Mamta". Sen, who won the best actress award for "Saat Paake Bandha" at the Moscow film festival in 1963, quit acting in 1978. Since her retirement, she has been living a reclusive life and only meets her daughter actress Moon Moon Sen, granddaughters Raima and Riya Sen, and a handful of others.