Suchitra Sen's condition critical

Banerjee said: "The whole world is waiting to hear updates on her health. The time is very crucial for her family and we must refrain from using words that could spur apprehensions about her health. We wish her a speedy recovery."

Her blood tests are satisfactory and her vital organs are fine, said a doctor.

However, her doctors ruled out any invasive ventilation (via tracheotomy) therapy for now.

"She is weak and needs oxygen support. She does not need life support," said Abhirup Chakraborty, another doctor from the team.

Sen is on an oral prescribed diet which is being supplemented with peripheral nutrition through intravenous channel to fulfil her dietary requirements, the medical bulletin said.

"The main issue is her oxygen saturation is fluctuating," said Chakraborty, adding that life-saving drugs are part of her prescribed regimen.

The actress, who has shunned media and public for decades since her retirement from the film industry, initially suffered chest infection, and was undergoing treatment for it at the nursing home since Dec 23 last. Her condition worsened Dec 28 night, and following further complications, she was put on non-invasive ventilation Jan 3.

Dubbed as the Greta Garbo of Bengali cinema, Sen is known for her performances in films "Deep Jwele Jaai" and "Uttar Falguni" in Bengali as well as Hindi movies "Devdas", "Bombai Ka Babu", "Mamta" and "Aandhi".

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