Nayak Raj Razzak Turns 74

Veteran thespian Nayak Raj Razzak turns 74 today. The Lifetime Achievement recipient of the National Film Awards will be spending the day with close friends and family.

Bobita, a popular onscreen partner of Razzak, said, “First of all, I consider him a member of my family rather than a hero. We have a strong family connection, as he came in the industry with Zahir Raihan's film. He is a man of great stature who equally shined in acting, directing and producing films. I played in many films opposite him. It has always been a pleasure to work with the great actor. I wish him good health.” 

About his father, Razzak's son Samrat, who also acted in six films with Razzak, said, “He is an ideal father and a good human being. Baba is a rare example in the industry who always performed family responsibilities apart from maintaining a busy schedule. Working with him was a different experience, and he never allowed me to take any advantage as his son. We celebrate father's birthday with the family. I wish him good health, and a long life.”

Razzak was born on January 23 in 1942 at Nagtola in Taliganj of Kolkata. His parents fondly addressed him as Raju and sometimes Raja. He loved acting from his schooldays. He also worked on stage those days.

He first stood in front of the camera for the film “Shilalipi”. In 1964, he moved to Dhaka and met Abdul Jabbar Khan, producer of the film “Mukh O Mukhosh”. He later got a job at the production house Iqbal Films with the help of Jabbar.

However, acting was his forte and within a short span of time, he became the most popular face in the film industry.

In the middle of his career, he got the title of 'Nayak Raj' from Ahmed Zaman Chowdhury, editor of Chitrali.

Later, he made his directorial debut with the film “Chanpa Dangar Bou”.

Some of his notable works are “Abirbhab”, “Bashori”, “Etotuku Asha” “Nil Akhasher Niche”, “Je Agune Puri”, “Moinamothi”, “Dwip Neva Nai”, “Sharalipi”, “Ashikkhit”, “Chutir Ghanta” and more.

He won the hearts of millions through his powerful acting in the film “Rangbaj”. It was first modern action film in Bangladesh. In 1976, he emerged as producer with the film “Akankha”.

Razzak was elected goodwill ambassador of Unicef as a first Bangladeshi film artiste. He was also the founding president of Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association.