Babita recollects bittersweet childhood, unfulfilled dreams
Internationally acclaimed actress Babita has been nurturing a deeply personal dream for the past four to five years—one she hopes will become the most meaningful legacy of her life.
Speaking about it with quiet emotion, the celebrated actress said, “It is a beautiful dream, one that has stayed with me for the last four or five years. If I can fulfil this wish, I will truly be happy.”
Babita’s paternal ancestral home is in Bijoynagar, Jashore, where many of her fondest childhood memories were made. It is there, on her family's ancestral land, that she hopes to build a mosque.
A few days ago, Babita visited Jashore with her elder sister, veteran actress Suchanda, and younger sister Champa. During the visit, they also finalised the plot of land where the mosque will be built.
“I have now selected the land for the mosque, and that alone has given me immense peace,” she said. “I feel grateful that the Almighty is giving me the opportunity to do something meaningful. I want to build a beautiful mosque.”
She continued, “One day, we all have to leave this world,” she reflected. “Before that day comes, I want to do something good. I want to fulfil this dream. The next step is to prepare the design, and then, gradually, begin the construction. I ask everyone to keep me in their prayers.”
The visit to Jashore also stirred a wave of nostalgia. Babita's maternal family home is in Baliachar, also in Jashore, and revisiting both places brought back treasured memories of her childhood.
“I spent my time looking for memories,” she said. “Many of the people from my childhood are no longer alive, and I found myself thinking about them.”
Among those she remembered most fondly was a childhood companion named Kulsum.
“Kulsum and I spent so much time together. We used to go fishing, play games and wander around the village. When I learnt that she had passed away, I felt deeply saddened.”
Despite those bittersweet moments, the trip filled her heart with warmth. She was welcomed by relatives and familiar faces who embraced her with affection.
“So many people came to see us. They hugged us and showered us with love,” she said. “Where else can you find this kind of joy or peace? It is something you can only experience when you return to your own people.”
Babita also spoke about a painful family memory that resurfaced during the visit.
“I had another sister named Jelly. She was born after Suchanda apa but passed away when she was only four years old,” she shared. “She is buried in our family graveyard at our ancestral home, alongside my grandparents. Visiting there brought back so many memories. Had she lived, she would have grown up with us.”
Meanwhile, the veteran actress will celebrate her birthday on July 30 in Canada, where her only son, Anik, resides.
“I usually spend my birthday with my son, and this year will be no different,” she said with a smile. “I'll be travelling to Canada soon, and we'll spend some quality time together. I don't know what he has planned for my birthday yet—I suppose I'll find out when I get there.”
Yet, despite the celebrations ahead, Babita says her thoughts remain focused on the dream that matters most.
“My only wish now is to build this mosque,” she said. “I want my life to remain connected with good deeds. I pray that Almighty Allah grants me the strength and opportunity to fulfil this dream.”
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