Book Review: ‘Aparna Sen: A Life in Cinema’ by Devapriya Sanyal

Book Title: Aparna Sen: A Life in Cinema
Author: Devapriya Sanyal
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 184
ISBN: 978-9370038653
Date Published: Aug. 22, 2025
Price: INR 376

Book Review

Indian cinema, with a vast rhapsody of regional languages and great movie makers, is one of the biggest film industries. Spanning more than 100 years, Indian cinema has produced stalwart movies and technicians. This is also one of the fields where, though there exists a gender difference, women technicians, especially women movie directors, have made their own mark. To name some of the affluent women—Aparna Sen, Sai Paranjape, Nirmala, Anjali Menon, Meghana Gulzar, etc.—have made their own mark. In this book, “Aparna Sen: A Life in Cinema” by author Devapriya Sanyal, readers get an opportunity to explore the world of ace director Aparna Sen.

Aparna Sen is a well-known personality in Bengali cinema who has made important movies that question traditional ideas about women’s roles and show the complicated feelings and challenges women face. She grew up surrounded by art and discussion, which helped her create films that focus on women’s personal struggles, independence, and their place in society. Her movies often highlight themes like loneliness, freedom, and identity using realistic stories and beautiful visuals, allowing viewers to see different sides of women’s lives.

Reading the book also helps readers examine that Sen’s films stand out because they are inspired by both local influences, like Satyajit Ray, and global cinema, giving her a unique style that speaks to people from many backgrounds. Instead of showing women as simple characters, she portrays them with depth and shows how they deal with moral dilemmas, social pressures, and the search for their place in the world. Her work has paved the way for women filmmakers in India, blending Indian culture with wider cinematic ideas and encouraging viewers to question old gender norms.

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Apart from making films, Sen has also worked as a magazine editor and cultural critic, using her voice to discuss important social issues and women’s rights. Her creative work and public influence have made her a respected name internationally, especially for the way she highlights women’s strength and independence. Through her stories, Sen continues to inspire others to value women’s experiences and to challenge unfair traditions, making her a powerful force for change both in society and in cinema. This book is a true tribute to an artist for the art form she excels in and always strives to give the best!

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