In his own words…
On the last birthday he celebrated aged 76, Razzak shared with us his memories of the birthdays he had celebrated at the prime of his career. “I used to be extremely busy then, and used to celebrate it with the rest of the film industry. The arrangements were quite elaborate, and I don't know if any other actor had such grand celebrations. I would realise the appreciation and love my colleagues had for me on this day each year, and I am always overwhelmed by it.”
The love his colleagues had for him was no surprise to anyone. But his fans always held a special place in his heart. “The most valuable gift I can ever get is love from the people. What else can be greater than that? My wealth and means, the food on my table, it all came from working in films. The love and appreciation people have for me is what kept me going and it is the greatest joy and gift in my life. All I want is people's love and respect. I pray to God to keep me in good health, and I seek love and prayers from everyone.”
Nayak Raj was one who loved celebrating his life with the people who mattered to him the most, and with a heart as big as his, there were many who mattered to him. Yet, death was something that had affected his life before it came to him. “There are many people I remember fondly on my special days, from old colleagues to friends, some of who are sadly no more in this world. Each person has an appointed time in this life, and death comes for us all. I can never forget the faces I have once known, and I can never shake off the thoughts of where we all are today, even more so on my birthdays. It makes me immensely sad, but such is life.”
With the legacy he left behind, his belief in cinema and the industry was paramount. “I can never imagine my existence without film, and I hope to God that I pass from this world while still working. I just want one thing. I would like to see Bangladeshi cinema turned around for the better before I pass. I would like for it to go back to the way it was during its golden years.”
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