My Heroes
Anjana is an accomplished dancer and actress, who stepped into the cultural scene when she was just four years old. She made her debut in films in 1976, through the movie “Doshshu Bonhur”. Among her memorable works are: “Shetu”, “Matir Maya”, “Oshikkhito”, “Priyo Bandhobi”, “Gangchil”, “Chokher Moni”, “Chhoto Ma”, “Rupali Shoikote”, “Anarkoli”, “Moharaja”, “Ongshidaar”, “Shukher Songshar”, “Masum”, “Obhijan”, “Premik”, “Nepali Meye”, “Bicharpoti”, “Porineeta” and “Aposh”. Anjana won a National Award for her performance in “Porineeta”. The seasoned actress recently shared fond memories of working with some of the leading male actors of her time with The Daily Star.
Razzak
My first film with Nayokraj Razzak was “Oshikkhito”. Later we did “Shetu”, “Bidhata”, “Obhijan”, “Rajanigandha” and “Shanai”. I was just 16 when I got the chance to act opposite the most famous star of that time, Razzak. The initial nervousness and hesitation were blown away by Razzak bhai, who encouraged me by reminding me that I was a dancer who could maintain calm under the spotlight. He was very friendly during shootings, but a certain distance remained, as I was just a newcomer then. Razzak bhai is very jolly, punctual and always extended a helping hand when necessary.
Bulbul Ahmed
It is hard to believe that Bulbul Ahmed is no more among us. I had the opportunity to act with him in “Shetu”, “Gangchil” and “Jodi Jante”. Although he was much senior to me, when I first acted opposite him in “Shetu”, Bulbul Ahmed always remained jovial and congenial. He was a great artiste. I remember, while shooting “Gangchil”, we were caught in a turbulent storm on the sea. Bulbul bhai kept his cool and comforted us throughout the ordeal.
Sohel Rana
Sohel Rana was the first actor I worked with. “Doshshu Bonhur” was our first movie, and later works with him include “Jadu Nagar”, “Alibaba Sindbad”, “Bicharpoti” and “Anarkoli”. Sohel Rana is a good human being, who always tried giving his best, and helped co-workers do the same.
Wasim
I worked with Wasim when he was a superstar of the silver screen. Among the many films I did with him, “Bidhata” and “Nuri” come off the top of my head. Wasim bhai has a great sense of humour, and I almost never saw him being upset. He is very liberal and I enjoyed working with him. As I was a dancer, he always asked me for help during the dance sequences.
Faruk
“Matir Maya” was the first film I did with Faruk, and after that we also worked together in “Priyo Bandhobi” and “Phooleshwari” -- all of which were box office hits. Faruk bhai was the unparalleled protagonist for any movie with a rural setting. He was a bit moody and serious on the set, but a good heart nevertheless. He first saw me dancing when he was a student activist. He went up to my mother and asked her for permission to let me work in a movie -- an offer my mother declined at that time. Faruk bhai would completely immerse into his character.
Zafar Iqbal
I worked in five/six films with Zafar Iqbal, the first of which was “Khuni”. There have been only a few actors in our film history, who were as handsome as Zafar Iqbal. He was the perfect romantic hero. He used to call me 'Dancing Doll'. Sometimes at cultural programmes, Zafar Iqbal played the guitar and I danced. Mood swings controlled him and the atmosphere of the set depended on his mood.
Jasim
I have acted in many movies with Jasim -- notably “Ognipurush”, “Desh Bidesh”, “Nepali Meye” and “Hushiar”. He was very amicable. I used to learn how to fight (for action scenes) from him, and traded it with dance lessons. None of our films flopped. I can't believe he is not with us anymore.
Ilias Kanchon
My first film with Ilias Kanchon was “Obhijan'. We also worked together in “Porineeta”, for which I received a National Award. The audience loved us in movies such as “Protirodh”, “Ajker Hangama” etc. He was a true gentleman towards all who worked with him. He is serious when it comes to his craft, and always tries to achieve perfection.
Alamgir
Alamgir was paired with me in movies like “Nantu Ghotok” and “Rajanigandha”. What I still remember is being intimidated by the fact that he was much taller than me. Alamgir would always tell me not to worry, adding that we'd look good together on the screen.
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