Aparna Sen is an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter and actress who is known for her work in Bengali cinema. A leading actress of late 1960s,1970s,1980s. She has received eight "BFJA Award", five for best actress,two for best supporting actress and one for lifetime achievement award. She is the winner of three National Film Awards and nine international film festival awards for her direction in films. She was awarded the "Padma Shri", the fourth highest civilian award,by the government of India in 1987. Sen made her debut in Teen Kanya (1961) and received her success with Aparichito (1961). In addition to acting in films, sen also has been directing films since 1981 with 36 Chowringhee Lane for which she won National Film Award (India) for Best Director. less