Oindrila remembers Bulbul Ahmed: 'It's impossible to put into words what baba meant to me'

Legendary Bangladeshi actor Bulbul Ahmed, fondly remembered as the “Devdas” of Dhallywood and later celebrated as the “Mahanayak”, left an indelible mark on Bengali cinema with a career spanning numerous acclaimed films.

His unforgettable portrayal of the titular character in Chashi Nazrul Islam's “Devdas” earned him widespread admiration, while his performance in “Mahanayak” cemented his iconic status among audiences.

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Marking his death anniversary today (July 15), his daughter, actress Tazrin Farhana Oindrila, spoke to The Daily Star about her father, sharing cherished memories and revealing the five films of his that remain closest to her heart.

"I miss my father terribly," Oindrila said. "Lately, I've been thinking about him more than ever. I often find myself in tears. You only truly understand the depth of losing someone after they're gone. It's impossible to put into words what my father meant to me."

Recalling her childhood, she said many of her happiest memories revolve around accompanying her father to Bangladesh Television in Rampura and the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC).

"I went to television countless times with him, and I first visited the BFDC holding his hand. Those places were like my playground growing up because I spent so much time there. Every corner carries a memory of my father."

Oindrila also credited Bulbul Ahmed for laying the foundation of her own artistic journey.

"My first playback song was for ‘Gorom Hawa’ alongside Syed Abdul Hadi uncle, and that was only possible because of my father. Later, I also sang for ‘Akarshan’. I worked as a child artiste in several films and did dubbing for many productions. Every opportunity I received in those early years came through my father's encouragement.”

She added that she also appeared in several television dramas directed by him and even shared the screen with him as a co-actor.

“I learned so much from him. He introduced me to acting and taught me countless things, both in front of and behind the camera. Working on his dramas was an education in itself.”

Asked to name her five favourite films starring her father, Oindrila admitted that choosing was difficult.

"All of my father's films are special to me," she said. "But if I have to pick five, ‘Simana Periye’ would be at the top of the list. I watched it many times with my family in the cinema. Then comes ‘Rajlakshmi Srikanta’, which I've also watched repeatedly. ‘Devdas’ is another favourite because it brought my father immense love and recognition. ‘Mahanayak’ is very close to my heart; after that film, many people began calling him 'Mahanayak'. Finally, ‘Suryakanya’ is another film I deeply love. These five films showcase him at his very best."

Although years have passed since Bulbul Ahmed's death, Oindrila says his work continues to keep his memory alive within the family.

"I still watch his films and television dramas," she said. "My children watch them too, and they feel incredibly proud to know that their grandfather was such a celebrated actor and artiste."

Concluding the conversation, Oindrila said, “I ask everyone to pray for my father. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”