‘Razzak was one in a million’

Abdur Razzak, fondly known as Nayak Raj Razzak, was one of the most beloved actors in our country. He ruled over the silver screen with memorable films in a wide array of genres. He passed away on this day, four years ago.

Razzak's dedication led him to rise through the ranks to become one of the biggest names in the Bangladeshi film industry.

At a time when our film industry was highly competitive with those of West Bengal and Pakistan, Razzak's films were proper blockbuster hits.

He played small roles in films of Kolkata and Bombay at one point, but he achieved monumental success once he began working in films in Dhaka. However, he had his share of struggles, starting out with minor jobs to make ends meet.

Razzak came to Dhaka on April 26, 1964. He lived in a rented house at Kamalapur. Kolkata's noted director Pijush Bose helped out Razzak by writing a letter to Bangladeshi filmmaker Abdul Jabbar Khan. Unfortunately, Razzak was far from successful, even after Khan sent him to different places with his reference.

Eventually, Khan sent him to Iqbal Films Limited. Noted filmmaker Kamal Ahmed was directing "Ujala" at that time. Razzak was given the job of an assistant director on that film. Even though he was working as an assistant director, Razzak wanted opportunities to act in films.

His breakthrough role came with Zahir Raihan's "Behula", opposite Shuchanda.

Afterwards, Zahir Raihan directed the duo in the movie, "Anwara", based on Mohammad Najibar Rahman's novel of the same name. Razzak also acted in Zahir Raihan's "Suorani Duorani".

Some of his most memorable films include "Rongbaaz", "Ora Egaro Jon", "Nil Akasher Niche", "Moina Moti", "Abirbhab", and "Abujh Mon", among others. 

"Ananta Prem", the first film Razzak directed, received high praise from viewers. In "Chhutir Ghonta", Razzak won over the audience with his performance as a school caretaker. The film took his career to greater heights.

Kabori and Razzak remain one of the most beloved screen pairs till date. In "Rongbaaz", viewers saw Kabori opposite Razzak in an action film for the first time.

Aruna Biswas starred in the film, "Chapa Dangar Bou", directed by Razzak. "My journey in Dhaka's movies started with Razzak. I have a lot of respect for him. He was a true artiste," she recalled.

"Razzak was one in a million," said megastar Uzzal. "No one else will ever get the title of 'Nayak Raj'. He had very good luck when it came to films. Whether it was romantic films or films based on social issues, his acting was incomparable."

"I can't fathom losing someone like Razzak. There will never be another artiste like him. He was an incredibly passionate actor and human being. I deeply love and respect him," shared Sohel Rana.

"I could talk about Razzak for hours. He was like a family member to me. His demise has left a huge void in our hearts, and in our industry. I hope he is at peace, wherever he is," said Babita.

Sujata shared, "There will never be another Razzak. Very few people have been gifted with talents like his. He also faced a lot of challenges. He was born to act in films. He loved the world of cinema, and moviegoers and filmmakers returned that love to him."

Translated by Shaniz Chowdhury