Aparna Sen: a Life in Cinema

Aparna Sen is a filmmaker like no other. From her early days as an actor in Teen Kanya to her going on to become one of India’s most celebrated directors, Sen has carved a space uniquely her own—one where aesthetics meet politics, and storytelling becomes a form of resistance. Aparna Sen: A Life in Cinema delves into Sen’s cinematic world, tracing the evolution of her women protagonists as they navigate love, loneliness, power and identity. Her films—36 Chowringhee Lane, Paroma, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Paromitar Ek Din, and many more—offer intimate yet radical portrayals of women, challenging cinematic conventions and redefining representation in Indian cinema. More than just an exploration of her films, this book celebrates Sen’s artistic vision, her influences, and the impact of her work in the larger cinematic and cultural landscape. A must-read for cinephiles, feminists, and anyone intrigued by the power of storytelling, this is the definitive study of a filmmaker who continues to shape and challenge Indian cinema with every frame she creates.