Dhaka, Jan 17 (IANS): Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Friday condoled the death of Bengali cinema icon Suchitra Sen whom she described as one of her "favourite actresses", state media reported.

Hasina said the 82-year-old Suchitra Sen, often termed the Greta Garbo of Bengali movies, was the actress she admired most, reported Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the country's national news agency.

"Bengali people have lost a distinctive figure of classical Bengali daughter, wife and caring mother at her death," Hasina said.

President Abdul Hamid, in a message of condolence, said the death of Suchitra Sen signalled the end of an era of Bengali cinema.

Suchitra Sen was also an asset of the country as her native home was in Pabna and she had millions of fans in Bangladesh, BSS quoted Hamid as saying.

"Suchitra Sen will remain an inspiration for making classic cinema on true Bengali culture," he said.

The actress, who breathed her last at a Kolkata nursing home following a heart attack Friday morning, was awarded the best actress for the film "Saat Paake Bandha" at the Moscow Film Festival in 1963.

During her illustrious career, Sen delivered power-packed performances in acclaimed Bengali films such as "Deep Jwele Jaai" and "Uttar Falguni" as well as in Hindi movies like "Devdas", "Bombai Ka Babu", "Mamta" and "Aandhi".

A widow, Suchitra Sen leaves behind her daughter Moon Moon Sen and granddaughters Riya and Raima, also actresses.