REMEMBERING NAYAK RAJ ON 9TH DEATH ANNIV

Legendary actor Nayak Raj Razzak, one of the most influential stars in the history of Bengali cinema, has been away from the world for nine years. The celebrated actor died on 21 August 2017. His ninth death anniversary will be observed today with prayers and a milad mahfil organised by his family. However, no special initiative has reportedly been taken by the film organisations to mark the occasion.
Razzak enjoyed immense popularity in Bangladesh, West Bengal and among the audience of Urdu-language films. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he established himself as one of the defining stars of Dhallywood and left an enduring mark on the country’s film industry.
Born on 23 January 1942 in Tollygunge, Kolkata, Razzak began his career with the television serial “Gharoa” on Pakistan Television. He later worked as an assistant director to filmmaker Abdul Jabbar Khan. His big-screen journey began with a small role in “13 Number Feku Ostagar Lane”, through which he quickly attracted the attention of audiences and filmmakers.
He subsequently appeared in films including “Kar Bou”, “Dak Babu” and “Akheri Station”. His career as a leading man took a major turn when filmmaker Zahir Raihan cast him in “Behula”, opposite actress Kohinoor Akhter Suchanda. The pair went on to appear together in several successful films.
Razzak later expanded his career beyond acting, making his debut as a producer with “Rangbaaz”, directed by Zahirul Haque. He acted in around 300 films and directed approximately 16. His directorial debut, “Anonto Prem”, was released in 1977, with Razzak also starring opposite Babita.
His contribution to cinema earned him numerous accolades. He received the National Film Award for Best Actor five times--in 1976, 1978, 1982, 1984 and 1988. He was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 National Film Awards and received the country’s highest civilian award, the Swadhinata Padak in 2015.
Razzak’s younger son Khalid Hossain Samrat said the family continues to remember their father with deep respect and asked everyone to pray for him. “Nine years have passed without seeing Abba,” Samrat said. “I believe he will live on in the hearts of his fans and viewers for generations to come.”