Kolkata, Jan 14

 Legendary Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, who is being treated at the Intensive Therapy Unit of a city nursing home following serious respiratory problems, is not out of danger yet, but her oxygen saturation level has improved slightly, a doctor said Tuesday.

The ailing film icon is responding to chest physiotherapy. Non-invasive ventilation support is not required at the moment, though she is on constant oxygen via nasal tube.

"As long as she is dependent on oxygen, she can't be said to be out of danger. She might start eating normally (orally) today, we are discussing that option," Subir Mondal, a doctor of the seven-member medical team treating the actress at the Belle Vue Clinic here, told IANS.

Sen was admitted to the hospital three weeks back.

She was being fed through ryles tube.

Her actress daughter Moon Moon, son-in-law and granddaughters - actresses Riya and Raima - are at the nursing home.

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 non-invasive ventilation Jan 3.

Sen, who ruled the Bengali cinema for decades, has been a recluse ever since she quit acting over three decades ago. Known for her power-packed performances in highly acclaimed Bengali films such as "Deep Jwele Jaai" and "Uttar Falguni" as well as Hindi movies "Devdas", "Bombai Ka Babu", "Mamta" and "Aandhi", she has been dubbed as Greta Garbo of Bengali cinema. 

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

By:IANS