Inside the Sen household on Ballygunge Circular Road – once home to the legendary Suchitra Sen, Moon Moon Sen was recently seen stepping into a strikingly new avatar for an exclusive shoot with CT. Shot in her mother’s room and at her dressing table, the portraits captured a soft, unposed intimacy as she stepped into looks never associated with her before, revealing a new dimension of her personality while remaining unmistakably herself.
‘I trusted the vision’Moon Moon said her collaboration with makeup artist Prasenjit Biswas came through her daughter Raima, who encouraged her to agree. She recalled, “Raima kept telling me he’s a fan and really wanted to work with me.” Though the shoot was delayed several times, she eventually gave in. When the shoot finally happened, Moon Moon entered the process with no preconceived ideas. She praised Prasenjit’s efforts, saying, “He was so organised and such a pleasure to work with! Every element, from styling to the poses, was guided by him.
I had to put in no effort at all!”
Poila Boishakh plansA quieter Poila Boishakh now reflects a shift from lively family gatherings to intimate simplicity for Moon Moon, who shared that the day felt fuller when “Maa was alive and the children were home,” with Riyaa now abroad and Raima in Mumbai. Her celebrations this year will be centred on home-cooked Bengali vegetarian meals, with her house staff. While festive lunches have faded, her wish remains unchanged: “That my children and all of you stay healthy.
Because health is of utmost importance.”
Letting Moon Moon’s world lead the frameFor Prasenjit, the process began with a conscious move away from studio polish. Stepping into Moon Moon’s home, he chose to work within her world so the frames felt authentic. He was clear that the goal was never to impose fashion, but to respond to what already existed. “My intention was never to impose fashion on her, because she already carries her own sense of style and presence,” he says, adding, “I worked entirely with her own wardrobe, letting what she already owns and lives with shape the looks and the narrative of the shoot.
” What followed was an approach rooted in observation, where collaboration and presence defined the process more than styling itself.I prefer no makeup on my skin and lips, especially red lipstick. But this shade looked nice and the makeup was different as well. Everything felt natural, very meEffortless power dressing
- Crisp white shirt as base layer
- White tailored suit jacket on top
- Paired with beige trousers
- Tan belt to define the silhouette
- Minimal jewellery for clean focus
- Hair tied into a sculpted updo
- Emphasis on bone structure and glasses
- Makeup kept classic and refined
- Clean skin with a bold red lip
- Shot on the sofa and on the floor
Where ease meets elegance
- Simple tee with a printed silk skirt
- Black velvet jacket draped over the shoulders
- Her own jewellery layered into the look
- Hair kept soft and full
- Makeup kept natural and real
- Skin texture left visible
- Warm blush with a nude lip
- Shot in her living room
- Natural light used throughout
Poila Boishakh lunches were a big thing when Maa and my husband were here. Wearing new clothes on this day was also mandatory when Maa was around– Moon Moon Sen
