The Nayak Raj on screen and beyond

Razzak, fondly called 'Nayak Raj', made tremendous contributions to Bangla cinema, and won the hearts of millions over the years. The National Award-wining actor has also earned fame as director. Ahead of his 72nd birthday today, The Daily Star spoke to the artiste about his career and family life.

Tell us about your birthday plans?

Razzak: I wish to spend the day with the family members at my home. My grandchildren arrange especial programmes to celebrate the day. Many of my well-wishers and associates come with flower bouquets on the occasion. Some others will wish me over mobile phone. I wish to be flooded with everyone's love until my death.  

Who is usually the first to wish you on your birthday?

Razzak: My wife, Rajlokhhi.

Any special birthday memories you would like to share?

Razzak:  As every single person of the industry had great contributions to the position I am in, I always threw a grand party on the day. People from all walks of life including poets, journalist and litterateurs were invited. Once, poets Shamsur Rahman and Syed Shamsul Haque visited and we had great fun. As I grew older (laughs), my grandchildren mainly celebrate the day now. They cut cake at twelve o'clock.

Tell us about your childhood.

Razzak: I was born in Tullyganj of Kolkata in 1942. Although I lost my parents at very early age, I had a rather happy childhood. I was full of vivacity and swiftness those days. I loved playing rather than reading.

Tell us about your wife and children?

Razzak: She is a great woman and true homemaker. She made a great contribution towards my success. I could have never been Razzak without Lakki.  
I have three sons and one daughter: Bapparaj, Bappi, Samrat and Moina. Of them, Bapparaj and Samrat are film artistes while Bappi is an entrepreneur. As a child artiste, Moina once played a sister of mine in the film “Joker”.

Tell us about your entry into films?

Razzak: To be honest, I had no intention of entering into the industry ever. But when I was seventh-grader, I acted in plays at my school and a local club. I performed in around 200 plays. Later, I went to Mumbai and got admission at a film institute in 1961. Three years after obtaining my diploma, I shifted to Dhaka and met Zahir Raihan, and the rest is history.

What was your first appearance on the big screen?

Razzak: I made a brief appearance in the film “Etotuku Asha” of Kolkata. But as a hero, I first acted in the movie “Behula” in Dhaka.

To what do you attribute your fame?

Razzak: Sincerity, I think. It was possible because I never merged my career with my personal life. You can never succeed in life if you are not dedicated to your work.    

Your reflections on Suchitra Sen ...

Razzak: Suchitra Sen will live in our hearts us for years, for her memorable films. I was a fan of hers from a very early age. Uttam Kumar was also my favorite actor. I first watch her movie “Basu Paribar”. I kept the photographs of the popular on-screen couple in my wallet during the schooldays. As I was close to the actor's brother Tarun Kumar, I went to watch shooting of a film featuring Suchitra and Uttam. It was a memorable moment for my life.

Looking back on your career, how do you evaluate your achievements?

Razzak: In my long acting career, I have been flooded with people's love and affection. That, for me, is my great achievement.  

If you had one advice for artistes of today, what would it be?

Razzak: Study more, and work hard. Keep in mind that film is an art.