Kolkata, Jan 14

 Described as "critically ill", legendary Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, who is suffering from serious respiratory problems, remains on oxygen therapy, a medical bulletin said Tuesday.

Her oxygen saturation level is satisfactory and cardiac status remains stable.

"She is conscious and slowly communicating. Her feeding continues through feeding tube. Although still critically ill, her condition has not deteriorated over last 24 hours," claimed the latest report released by the Belle Vue Clinic where she is kept in the Intensive Therapy Unit.

"Though her condition remains the same after removal of the endotracheal tube Monday, the actress is not out of danger yet," said Subrata Maitra, a doctor in the seven-member medical team treating the actress at the nursing home.

The ailing icon is responding to chest physiotherapy. 

Non-invasive ventilation support is not required at the moment.

"She might start eating normally (orally) today, we are discussing that option," Subir Mondal, another doctor in the seven-member medical team told IANS.

Sen's 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 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 the Greta Garbo of Bengali cinema. 

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

By:IANS