Today marks the 89th birth anniversary of the legendary Suchitra Sen. Originally hailing from Pabna, the Mahanayeeka once ruled over the Bengali film industry with her grace, poise and charm. 

Born on April 6, 1931 at her maternal grandfather's residence in the Bhangabari village of Pabna, Suchitra Sen spent her childhood at her ancestral house at Gopalpur Himshagor lane in the main town, which is currently being constructed as Suchitra Shangrahashala. The actor migrated to Kolkata with her family just a few months before the partition of 1947.  

Suchitra Sen started her acting career with the film Shesh Kothai in 1952. In her next 17 years in the industry, she appeared in over 70 films, including 7 Hindi movies. 

The diva, with her unparallelled performances, stole the hearts of millions. However, the tragic death of her husband Dibanath Sen in 1969 left her devastated. Detaching herself from the society, the actor chose reclusion for herself, even rejecting the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2005. While the whole world is living in isolation due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the evergreen star spent the last 45 years of her life in reclusion. Suchitra Sen died on January 17, 2014 at a hospital in Kolkata. 

Considering the present circumstances, cultural programmes, discussions, and gatherings marking this day has been cancelled, mentioned Jakir Hossain, President of Suchitra Sen Chalachitra Shangshad. The inauguration of Suchitra Shangrahashala has also been postponed until further notice. "Bengali people love Suchitra Sen and her films. Now it is time to follow her path by staying at home until the epidemic changes its course," shared Marufa Monjury Khan Soumee, District Cultural Officer, Pabna.