Film director Mrinal Sen passed away on Sunday after a prolonged battle with age-related ailments, family sources said.

He was 95.

Some of the Dadasaheb Phalke award-winning director's best known films are Neel Akasher Neechey, Bhuvan Shome, Ek Din Achanak, Padatik and Mrigaya. He was one of the most acclaimed filmmakers in parallel cinema.

'Sen passed away today around 10.30 am due to age-related ailments,' a family member said.

The filmmamker, who won multiple national film awards and the Padma Bhushan, was known for his artistic depiction of social reality.

'Saddened at the passing away of Mrinal Sen. A great loss to the film industry. My condolences to his family,' West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted.

CPI general secretary Sitaram Yechury wrote: 'Mrinal Sen's passing away is a big loss not only to Cinema but to the world of Culture & India's civilisational values. Mrinal da radicalised cinematography by his people-centric humanistic narrative. Deepest condolences.'

Bengali actor Parambrata Chatterjee tweeted: 'End of an era... an epoch... legends never die... bhalo thakben (stay well).'

Actor Prasenjit Chatterjee said, 'At the end of the year receiving news like the demise of the legend Mrinal Sen saddens and shocks us. Mrinal jethu (uncle) gave a new perspective to Indian cinema. It's a huge loss for all of us. May his soul rest in peace.'