Jambu: Dhallywood’s iconic antagonist

At the mere sight of him on screen, Dhallywood audiences would shudder. His presence alone brought an air of terror to the silver screen. Jambu, who appeared in numerous films throughout his lifetime, built his career playing antagonists. Be it in black-and-white or colour films, or even commercial ventures, he left an indelible mark with his menacing portrayals.

During his prime, Jambu captivated audiences of all ages. Viewers perceived him through a lens of fear—his intense performances in scenes of murder or violence made him unforgettable. His ability to fully embody such roles made him a standout villain in the industry.

It was renowned filmmaker Delwar Jahan Jhantu who gave him the name Jambu. The actor first appeared in Jhantu's film "Leader", which never saw release. 

Speaking to The Daily Star, the director recalled, "When I first met him, I asked if he would like to act, and he agreed. I then told him, 'From today, your name is Jambu.' That name became his identity."

"He was a remarkable actor," Jhantu added. "Although 'Leader' wasn't released, he went on to act in 'Shishnag', and later in 'Selim Javed'. After that, there was no looking back for him."

Jambu went on to act in a wide range of popular films. Some of his most notable works include "Selim Javed", "Shagor Bhasha", "Rajlokkhi Srikanto", "Noyonmoni", "Mohammad Ali", "Dost Dushmon", "Dai Ke", "Rastar Raja", "Den Mohor", "Habilder", "Golabarud", "Hasan Tarek", "Ghatok", "Bijli Toofan", "Hazababu", "Hero", "Noya Laila Noya Majnu", "Rajababu", "Rocky", "Boner Raja Tarzan", "Kalia", "Amor", "Obhijaan", "Joddha", "Dakat", "Nawab", "Chakor", "Bobby", "Rakhal Raja", "Khuner Bodla", "Shishnag", and "Rokter Daag"—among many others.

Throughout his acting journey, Jambu mostly portrayed negative characters, making him one of Dhallywood's most iconic villains. However, he once received praise for playing a positive role in the film "Atmorokkha".

Many still remember his performance in the colour film "Nabab Sirajuddoula", where he played the infamous role of Mohammadi Beg—the man who killed the Nawab, in a film deeply embedded in Bengali sentiment.

Jambu also starred in literary adaptations, including "Rajlokkhi Srikanto", based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel, where he portrayed Arjun Singh—a performance that garnered acclaim, though his villainous roles brought him the most fame.

He frequently shared the screen with the late actor-hero-villain Jashim, appearing in numerous films together. Their on-screen presence in scenes of tension and fear still resonates with audiences today.

To many, Jambu was the undisputed king of fear on screen. His appearance alone was enough to send chills down viewers' spines.

Jambu passed away on May 3, 2004.