Photo: Collected

Freedom fighter and renowned actor Zafar Iqbal was one of the most stylish stars of the industry and a favourite amongst youngsters, during the 70s and 80s.

Today marks the 71st birthday of the iconic artiste, who was the sibling of noted singer Shahnaz Rahmantullah and prominent music director Anwar Parvez.

His close confidante and popular musician Kumar Biswajit remembered the iconic actor on his birthday.

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

"Despite the age difference we were still good friends. He became a fashion icon for the youngsters at that time. We used to follow his styles all the time. He had this wonderful charisma that attracted people towards him," mentions Kumar.

"At that time Zafar bhaiy was directing the movie 'Premik'. He told me to act in that movie and gave me instructions on how to perform my role to the finesse. Unfortunately, I couldn't be part of the movie. He had a huge range of female fans and used to dress up wonderfully. I have done music for most of his movies. I really miss having conversations with him. He was truly a dear friend of mine," added the musician.

At the age of 19, Zafar Iqbal made his film debut with the Khan Ataur Rahman directorial "Apon Por" (1969). The movie also featured Sarah Kabori. The film's song "Ja Re Jabi Jodi Ja" was a hit amongst the audience.

After the Ashok Ghosh directorial "Mastan" (1975) solidified his position as a dashing leading star, the film "Noyoner Alo" (1984), alongside Suborna Mustafa, marked his foray into romantic roles.

In his career, he was featured in 150 films, including "Obujh Hridoy", "Bhai Bondhu", "Obodan", "Premik", "Shadharon Meye", "Fokir Monju Shah", "Diner Por Din", "Bedwin", "Ongshidar", "Megh Bijli Badhon", "Saat Rajar Dhon", "Ashirbaad", "Opomaan", "Ek Mutho Bhaat", "Ghriholokkhi", "Ogo Bideshini", "Nawab, Protirodh", "Phuler Mala", "CID", "Morjada", "Shondhi", "Bondhu Amar", and "Usila", among many others.

Zafar Iqbal was a talented singer as well. He took up singing from a young age, forming the band, Rambling Stone in 1966, with his friends. His debut playback song was "Hoy Jodi Bodnaam Hok Aro", composed by his elder brother, Anwar Parvez, for the film Bodnaam. The song "Shukhe Thako O Amar Nondini", composed by legendary music director Alauddin Ali, was another hit song sung by the actor. "Tumi Amar Jibon, Ami Tomar Jibon" was another hit song by him. His musical album, titled "Keno Tumi Kadale", was released in the 80s. He sang the number, "Ek Hridoyhinar Kachhe Hridoyer Daam Ki Achhe" for the 25th birth anniversary of BTV. Later, Rafiqul Alam also sang the song.

Zafar Iqbal passed away on April 27, 1991, at the age of 40.