KABORI Golden days

Kabori metamorphosed from Meena Pal to today's Kabori and currently ranks as a leading actress of Dhallywood. Her first movie, “Shutorang”, was a first Bangla blockbuster hit and won accolades at the Frankfurt Asian Film Festival in 1964. The Kabori-Razzak on screen pair heralded the golden age of Bangladeshi cinema. Rongbaaz, Abirbhab, Moinamoti, Aguntok, Anirban, Chokher Joley, Upohar and several others enthralled film buffs of that time. In fact it was the turning point, as film goers started to accept this genre of film in addition to family oriented social movies.

Here's a reflection of the real Kabori:

How did you set foot in filmdom?

I was hardly 13, when Subhash Dutta gave me my first break in filmdom in 1964. He was my first on screen hero and more than a hero he is my mentor. I acted in the first film “Shutorang” under Subhash Da's direction and coincidentally just 40 years later in 2004, Subhash Da acted in the movie “Aaina” under my direction.

Striking moments...

During the shooting of "Moinamoti", Razzak and I gave such a moving portrayal of our characters, that the crew couldn't hold back their tears. It was a tragic scene where Moina (enacted by me) was going to marry the landlord while her lover Moti (Razzak) was tearfully and singing "Anek Shadher Moina Amar Badhon Kete Jai". The people present on the set were completely spellbound.

Were you involved in social work?

After 30 years in films and with 200 films to my credit, I was into directing and script writing for films. I had long harbored the ambition to make films based on the plight of unwanted children and women acid victims. I have also worked at the Acid Victim Rehab Centre at Banani for quite some time.

Any embarrassing moments during shooting?

It was great fun when we went outdoors for shooting with Razzak. Once during the shooting of "Moinamoti" I used a hair piece that accidentally slipped off and the people at the location started to laugh. It was Razzak who came running with the switch on his hand and asked me fix it firmly.

Any overwhelming experience?

It was sometime in April 1971. The Liberation War had already begun. We had to cross the borders for safety. We were refugees with little knowledge of what the future held for us. In such a difficult situation, I had to deliver a speech in front of the Bangladesh Embassy in Calcutta. Unlike many who used pseudo names, I delivered a speech using my name, without hesitation, urging the world to help stop the indiscriminate killings of our countrymen. Although my family members were in grave danger and had to take temporary shelter elsewhere they were proud of my stance. Later, when I met the muktibahinis they appreciated my boldness and said they were greatly encouraged by my stance.

A memorable experience you would want to share?

My direct participation during the Liberation War is the most momentous of all.  

Two compliments you will always cherish?

After my first film "Shutorang" was released eminent journalist Aziz Misir complimented by saying it's a Vini Vidi Vici, for Kabori: She has come and conquered. Later my son and daughter- in -law watched my old movies and commented 'Ma you are the most beautiful and graceful lady in the entire world. 'No other compliment could match this.

Roles you'd have given your left arm to do..

It was my long time dream to portray the role of Doriya Bibi of the novel Janani by Shawkat Osman. Osman won the Adamji Award for the novel. The story revolves around a widow and is all about women's emancipation. Another film I watched recently is Hazar Chourasi ki ma a novel by Mahasheta Devi. The protagonist of the film Jaya Bachchan had left a tremendous impression. In our neighbouring countries, playwrights develop plots around actors to uphold their true potential. Here, sadly enough, opportunities are very limited.