Silver screen heroes who left shining legacies behind

Over the years, we have come across numerous brilliant male actors who have garnered the film industry with unparalleled acting and memorable roles. Many of them gradually transformed into icons and acting legends. We revisit the legacies of eminent actors, who have left us, but continue to live on through their films.

Anwar Hossain

Anwar Hossain (December 6, 1931- September 13, 2013)

 Anwar Hossain stepped into the film industry with Tomar Amar in 1958. However, he earned immense popularity for playing Siraj ud-Daulah in Nawad Sirajuddaula (1967). In his career spanning over five decades, Hossain has worked in over 500 films and won 4 National Awards for his films Lathial (1975), Golapi Ekhun Traine (1978) and Dayi Ke (1987).

Azim with Sujata

Azim (July 23, 1937 – March 26, 2003)

 Azim debuted in the film industry with Rajdhanir Buke, in 1960. He is remembered for his portrayal of Rahim Badshah in Rupban (1965). The actor has appeared in over 50 movies, with Banglar Nayok (1995) being his last film.  

Rahman

Abdur Rahman (February 27, 1937 – July 18, 2005)

 Actor-director Rahman started his journey as an actor with Ehtesham's Ei Desh Tomar Amar (1959). Soon afterwards, he appeared as the lead in Rajdhanir Buke (1960), alongside Chitra Sinha. After delivering back-to-back hits like Harano Din (1961), Devdas (1982) and Jwar Bhata (1990), the actor lost one of his legs in a road accident while returning from the shooting of Preet Na Jane Reet (1963). His last film was Ashok Ghosh's Aamar Shongshar. However, he went on to direct several films, including Milon.

Golam Mostafa

Golam Mustafa (March 2, 1935- February 20, 2003)

Ekushey Padak and National Film Awardee Golam Mustafa was the jack of all trades—be it in lead, villainous or supporting roles. His notable films include Rajdhanir Buke (1960), Preet Na Jane Reet (1963), Devdas (1982) and Srabon Megher Din (1999), among many others.

Nayak Raj Razzak

Abdur Razzak (January 23, 1942 – August 21, 2017)

Nayak Raj Razzak ruled over the Bangladeshi film industry for over four decades. He worked in over 300 Bengali and Urdu films, including super hits like Jibon Theke Neya (1970), Nil Akasher Niche (1969) and Behula (1966), and directed over a dozen Bangladeshi productions.  He has won 5 National Awards for Best Actor, for the films, Ki Je Kori (1976), Ashikkhito (1978), Boro Bhalo Lok Chilo (1982), Chandranath (1984) and Jogajog (1988).

Jashim

Jashim (August 14, 1950 – October 8, 1998)

 Freedom fighter and actor Jashim was the first action hero of Bangladeshi cinema. He debuted on the silver screen with a negative role in Dost Dushman (1973), and went on to play villainous roles in other films like Tufan, Lalu Mastan and Koshai, among others. His first lead role was in Delowar Jahan Jhontu's Shobuj Sathi. The star passed away due to brain hemorrhage in 1998.

Khan Ataur Rahman

Khan Ataur Rahman (December 11, 1928 – December 1, 1997)

Khan Ataur Rahman was a talented actor, director, producer, screenplay writer, music composer and singer. He was appreciated for his performance in Jibon Theke Neya (1970) by the critics and audiences alike. He received National Awards for Best Screenplay for the films Sujon Sokhi (1975) and Danpite Chhele (1980). The artiste also went on to direct successful productions such as, Nawab Sirajuddaula (1968), Saat Vai Champa (1968), Abar Tora Manush Ho (1973) and Ekhono Onek Raat (1997), among others. He received the Ekushey Padak posthumously, in 2003 for his generous contribution to Bangladeshi cinema.

Shawkat Akbar

Shawkat Akbar (March 7, 1937 – June 23, 2000)

Shawkat Akbar's career began with Eito Jibon in 1964. He acted in over 250 Bengali and Urdu films between 1963 and 1995.

Humayun Faridee

Humayun Faridee (May 29, 1952 – February 13, 2012)

Faridee started his career as a treatre artiste with Salim Al-Deen's Shakuntala in 1978, where he played the role of Tokkhok. He debuted in the television industry with Nil Nakshar Shandaney (1982). He appeared in some of the most successful television shows of all time, including Shongsoptok (1987-1988), Kothao Keu Nei (1992-1993) and Doll's House (2007-2008), among many others. He slowly made his way into films and is still remembered for his performances in films like Padma Nadir Majhi (1993), Bachelor (2004) and Shyamol Chhaya (2005).

Bulbul Ahmed

Bulbul Ahmed (September 15, 1941 – July 15, 2010)

Actor, producer and director Bulbul Ahmed won his first National Award for Best Actor for the film Shimana Periye (1977). He later went on to win the same award a couple more times for Badhu Biday (1978) and Shesh Uttar (1980). His directorial venture, Rajlakshmi Srikanta (1987), was a hit, and also received the National Award for Best Film.

Zafar Iqbal

Zafar Iqbal (April 19, 1950- January 8, 1992)

Zafar Iqbal, a style icon of Bangladeshi cinema, was not only an amazing actor but also a singer and guitarist. Since his debut with Apon Ghor (1970), Iqbal was a fan favourite of youngsters. He has appeared in over 150 films, including Surjo Grohon (1976), Noyoner Alo (1984) and Shonkhonil Karagar (1992).

Manna

Manna (April 14, 1964 – February 17, 2008)

Actor and producer Manna appeared in over 200 films throughout his career. He received his first National Award for Best Actor for Bir Soinik (2003). Among his many other hits, the titular song from his film Ammajan (1999), is still popular as mobile ringtones and on bus radios. He passed away in 2008, following a heart attack, leaving his legions of fans and the film fraternity in shock.

Salman Shah

Salman Shah (September 19, 1971 – September 6, 1996)

Salman Shah is the name that is relevant till date in the film industry. Had he been alive, the fraternity would likely be in a stronger position today. His unanticipated death in1996, did not just disrupt his family, but also broke the hearts of millions of his fans. He made his debut with Keyamat Theke Keyamat opposite Moushumi, in 1993. He went on to star in several hit films with Moushumi and Shabnur afterwards.