Actor and renowned filmmaker, Aparna Sen's first directorial venture, 36 Chowringhee Lane, won the Grand Prix at the Manila International Film Festival in 1982 and the National Award in India. Sen writes and directs her films, occasionally acting in them as well. The recent, Mr and Mrs Iyer, was premiered at the Locarno International Film Festival and at the National Panorama in India winning critical acclaim and awards. Retrospectives of her films were held in London , Munich and Nandan, Kolkata. Sen is recipient of the prestigious Padmashree Award, including the Satyajit Ray Memorial Millennium Award for “Profound Contribution to Indian Cinema” and the “Satyajit Ray” Lifetime Achievement Award.