Who could have imagined that a carefree young boy would one-day rule Bengali cinema? Born into a poor family in Kolkata, a child destined to become the king of Bengali films was beyond anyone’s imagination.
Yet, unwavering determination, relentless hard work, and single-minded dedication can take a person to the pinnacle of success. The life of Razzak, the hero of Bengali cinema, stands as a testament to this. His relentless desire to become an actor turned him from a nobody into a star. Through his talent and perseverance, he carved a place for himself in the vast world of acting. His journey did not start from a royal platform but from a life filled with challenges and struggles. With an unyielding will to conquer obstacles, Razzak proved unstoppable.
Razzak was born in Kolkata, where he spent his childhood and youth. From his school days, he had a deep interest in acting, and it was in Kolkata where he first began his acting journey.
At one point, he decided to act in films. He appeared in small roles in three movies: Shilalipi (1964), Pankatilak (1961), and Ratan Pal Bangali. As a young boy with a carefree attitude, Razzak was more interested in sports, drama, and movies than academics. At just 19, he got married.
Soon after, he became a father. Around that time, communal unrest engulfed Kolkata in 1964. Forced to flee with his wife and child, Razzak came to Dhaka as a refugee. His first shelter was in Kamalapur. Life remained tough, yet the dream of becoming a film hero was firmly rooted in his mind. He was determined to make it happen.
Razzak, fueled by his dreams, kept going without hesitation. He moved from place to place with his wife and child, seeking opportunities. They say hard work bears fruit, and Razzak’s life is proof of that. His breakthrough came when filmmaker Abdul Jabbar Khan helped him get a job as an assistant at Iqbal Films. With his enthusiasm reaching new heights, success was inevitable.
His journey took a promising turn when he worked as an assistant in Kamal Ahmed’s films Ujala (1966) and Parwana (1966). From there, his dream began to take shape. He started acting in films like Akheri Station (1966), Kar Bou (1966), and Kagojer Nouka (1966), among others.
Razzak became an overnight superstar after playing Lakhindar in Zahir Raihan’s film Behula (1966). With this film, Dhaka found a new star. Opposite him was actress Suchanda, and his signing fee for the film was BDT 500.
Behula was released in 1966. Directed and written by Zahir Raihan, the film was based on the traditional Bengali folktale from the Hindu mythological epic Manasamangal. It was produced by Iftekharul Alam and featured performances from Sumita Devi, Fateh Lohani, Mohammed Zakaria, Amjad Hossain, and others.
The audience of then-East Pakistan warmly welcomed Razzak through this film. Following Behula, he went on to act in iconic movies like Nil Akasher Niche (1969), Moner Moto Bou (1969), Shorolipi (1971), Osru Diye Lekha (1972), and Obujh Bou, cementing his place as the top star of the time.
The chemistry he shared with actresses Shabana, Bobita, and Kabori in the 1970s and 1980s remains unmatched in Bengali cinema. Throughout his career, he earned numerous accolades, including five National Film Awards. In 2013, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Film Awards. He also received the Meril-Prothom Alo Lifetime Achievement Award and many other honors. Some of his notable films include Obak Prithibi , Alangkar (1978), Obokash, Abujh Mon (1972), Alor Michil (1974), Jibon Thekey Neya (1970), Ashar Alo , Ashikkhito (1978), Chhutir Ghonta (1980), Dui Poishar Alta (1982), and Chokher Jole. Altogether, Razzak acted in nearly 600 films.
Besides acting, Razzak also ventured into film production. His final film as a lead actor was Malamati (1990), directed by Shafiqur Rahman. On August 21, 2017, Razzak passed away at Dhaka’s United Hospital after suffering a heart attack.
From 1964 until his death, Razzak enriched Bangladeshi cinema in countless ways. He was the most beloved actor in social dramas and a role model in his personal life. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in his films. His performances still resonate with audiences. When his lips sync to songs like ‘Ami Ek Duronto Jajabor’ and ‘Onnek Sadher Moyna Amar Badhon Kete Jay,’ viewers feel a wave of nostalgia. Songs like ‘Aynate Oi Mukh Dekhbe Jokhon’ and ‘Nil Akasher Niche Ami Rasta Cholechi Eka’ remain fan favorites.
Razzak was one of the pillars of Bengali cinema. He won the hearts of audiences with his acting and remains their beloved hero—Nayak Raj Razzak.