In remembrance of Sumita Devi
Sumita Devi was one of the most prolific actors to grace the silver screen. She was one of the first leading ladies of the Bangladeshi film industry. Today marks the actor's 84th birth anniversary.
She passed away due to brain haemorrhage on January 6, 2004. She left behind her two sons, Anal Raihan and Bipul Raihan.
Born as Hena Bhattacharya, Sumita Devi made her film debut with Fateh Lohani's "Asiya", where she played the lead role, opposite actor Shahid. The film, which was a rural tragedy, was one of the most prominent projects of her career. It won the President's Award in the Best Film category, and Sumita Devi was honoured with the Nigar Award for her performance.
Sumita Devi also starred in Fateh Lohani's "Akash Ar Mati'', alongside actors Prabir Kumar and Amin. The film was released on July 24, 1959.
Another acclaimed film in Sumita Devi's career was, "E Desh Tomar Amar", directed by Ehtesham, also starring actor Anis. The music of this film was highly praised.
While shooting for this movie, Sumita Devi met eminent filmmaker Zahir Raihan, whom she went on to marry. He was an assistant director of the film.
Sumita Devi also made her presence felt in Urdu films. Her first Urdu film was "Dhupchhaya".
"Sangam", directed by Zahir Raihan is considered to be her most acclaimed Urdu film. Sumita Devi played the lead role, alongside actor Khalil in the movie.
She also starred in Zahir Raihan's "Kokhono Asheni" and "Kancher Deyal", alongside actors Anis and Anwar Hossain, respectively.
Jointly directed by Zahir Raihan and Kalim Sharafi, "Shonar Kajol", was also another critically acclaimed movie in her illustrious career.
Moreover, Sumita Devi was a producer of films such as "Adorsho Chapakhana", "Mayar Sangsar", "Notun Probhat", and "Agun Niye Khela" among others.
The actor portrayed the lead role in more than fifty films, and played supporting roles in nearly a hundred films. In 1962, she was awarded the All Pakistan Critic Award.
Sumita Devi participated in various protests, strikes and other activities during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. She was involved with theatre during the war, and collected funds for the freedom fighters from her earnings from theatrical productions. She was also an artiste of the Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.
Translated by Rasheek Tabassum Mondira
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