The home of the actress is now under "illegal occupation" and must be freed, demanded Bangladeshi actress and lawmaker Kobori Chowdhury who opened the week-long festival.

Chowdhury, along with film director Soovas Dutt, opened the festival to honor the screen legend who lives as a recluse in Kolkata, The Daily Star said Oct.26.

Along with the festival's opening Oct. 23, a rally was organized that was joined by thousands, including cultural activists and students. They marched through the streets before converging at the Town Hall premises for the festival. "Culture and cinema, in particular, are some of the best tools for social reform.

"It is essential that we patronize quality films," said Dutt.

The festival kicked off with the screening of "Harano Sur", one of Suchitra's better-known films.

Eight films, including "Agni Parikkha", "Deep Jele Jai", "Shilpi", "Shath Pakey Bandha", "Shap Mochon" and "Shagorika" were to be screened at the festival.