Photo: Collected

Khalilur Rahman Babar, mostly known for his roles as an antagonist in Bangla films, breathed his last while under treatment at Square Hospital in the capital yesterday. He was 67. He has been suffering from diabetes, along with ailments of the heart and lungs for a long time. A few days earlier, his health began to deteriorate, after which he was admitted to the hospital, where he later passed away.

Babar, a lifetime member of Bangladesh Cholochitro Shilpi Samiti, left behind his wife Sultana Rahman, daughter Umaiyya Rahman and son Riyadur Rahman.

Babar began his acting career as a protagonist in Amjad Hossain’s Banglar Mukh. His first villainous role was in the Nayak Raj Razzak starrer, Rangbaaz. Ever since, he gained popularity as an antagonist. Babar acted in around 300 films during his acting career. Apart from acting, he also worked as a producer and director in the industry. Daagi, Daibaan and Dada Bhai are amongst the films directed by Babar.

The last film he acted in was Tero Gunda Ek Panda, twelve years ago. As the condition of Babar’s health worsened, he moved away from cinema gradually. At one point, his toes and left leg up to his knee had to be amputated upon the doctor’s suggestion.

Babar’s first namaz-e-janaza (funeral prayer) was held yesterday at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) after Asr prayers. Later he was taken to his Kalabagan residence for the second namaz-e-janaza. He was later put to rest at the Mirpur Buddhijibi Graveyard.

Actor Aruna Biswas recalls her role in Babar’s last produced film, Daiban. She starred opposite Ilias Kanchan in the film which was well received by the audience. She reminisced all the good memories she had during those times and prays for Babar.

“Babar was a great villain in films, and even a greater human being in reality,” recalls actor Rozina. “He became distant from the industry due to his ill health. Slowly, we are losing all the veteran actors. I pray that may his soul rest in peace.”

“Babar was an amazing actor. I have a lot of good memories with him,” says actor Anjana. “It surely is disheartening when I hear the news of someone’s demise, and this day is no different.”