Suchitra Sen's condition stable for now

Veteran Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, whose condition earlier deteriorated, stabilised on Sunday though she has been put on bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP), a noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, said doctors.

"After a sudden deterioration in her condition last evening (Saturday), today her condition has stabilised," said a medical bulletin issued by Belle Vue Clinic, the nursing home where Sen has been undergoing treatment since Dec 23.

"She is on BPAP therapy through endotracheal tube, while her heart rate and blood pressure remain stable. Her oxygen saturation and other ancillary blood reports are satisfactory," said the bulletin.

Sen's condition kept on fluctuating Saturday prompting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to rush to the nursing home for the third successive day. Doctors had to resort to emergency measures to stabilise her condition worsened.

During the day, state Congress president Pradip Bhattacharya also visited the nursing home and talked to the doctors monitoring her condition.

A two-member team of opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist led by Rabin Deb also came calling Saturday.

Following the frequent visits of politicians, including the chief minister, the security in and around the nursing home has been beefed up.

The 82-year-old initially suffered chest infection, and was undergoing treatment for it at the nursing home since Dec 23. Her condition worsened Dec 28 night.

Following complications, Sen was put on the ventilator Jan 3.

Sen, dubbed as Greta Garbo of Bengali cinema, has remained an engima as she has avoided spotlights since her retirement. She gave powerpacked performances in highly acclaimed films such as "Deep Jwele Jaai" and "Uttar Falguni" in Bengali as well as Hindi movies "Devdas", "Bombai Ka Babu", "Mamta" and "Aandhi".

She won the best actress award for "Saat Paake Bandha" at the Moscow Film Festival in 1963.