I am proud to be a part of history with ‘Mukh O Mukhosh’: Pyari Begum
The first ever Bangla feature film, “Mukh O Mukhosh”, directed by Abdul Jabbar Khan, was released on August 3, 1965. Actor Pyari Begum played one of the main roles in the film. At that time, she was a first- year intermediate student at Eden College. She shared her fond memories of being a part of “Mukh O Mukhosh” with The Daily Star.
I am proud to be a part of history with "Mukh O Mukhosh". I am a movie buff. When I was younger, I used to dream about acting in films, while watching them. One day, I came across a job advertisement for an actor in a film to be directed by Abdul Jabbar Khan. That film was "Mukh O Mukhosh." At that time, Zahrat Ara, my co-star in the film, used to live in the same neighbourhood as me. We were very close friends. Both of us contacted the makers, and went for the auditions. We both ended up getting selected.
I hid the fact that I got selected to act in "Mukh O Mukhosh" from my family. I got caught by my father when my pictures were printed in the magazine, Chitrali. Although my father was a culture-oriented person, he never imagined that I would work in films. So, he forbade it. I shared my dilemma with Abdul Jabbar. He told my father that he would treat me like his own daughter. After I promised my father that I will only act in one film, he was convinced to let me act.
We did our first shoot on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi. Honestly, when I was about to stand in front of the camera for the first time in my life, I was quite scared. Things became easier with the director's help. Being a part of the film is the biggest achievement of my life.
The premiere of the film took place in Rupmahal Cinema Hall. Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq came as the chief guest to inaugurate the event. It was such a huge arrangement. On that day, I was so happy to sit with everyone and watch my own film. I was thrilled!
Another inauguration event for "Mukh O Mukhosh" was held at a hotel in Shahbagh. The ceremony was inaugurated by Iskander Mirza. Many great and accomplished personalities arrived at the venue that day. My dream of acting in movies was fulfilled.
My late husband, Aminul Haque, was my co-actor in "Mukh O Mukhosh". My first meeting with him was on the set of that film. Although my husband acted in several films after our marriage, I never did.
My close friend and co-actor Zahrat Ara has also passed away. I am quite old now. There are a lot of things I do not remember. Even then, I am glad to have been an actor in the first ever Bangla feature film.
Translated by Shaniz Chowdhury