This medal belongs to my parents: Babita

Internationally acclaimed film actor Babita received the Ekushey Padak yesterday (February 26), expressing deep joy and gratitude upon receiving one of the country’s highest civilian honours.

Holding the medal in her hands, she spoke to The Daily Star with utmost emotion. “I cannot quite describe how it feels,” she said warmly. “It is a different kind of happiness — something deeper, more overwhelming.”

Over the course of her illustrious acting life, Babita has earned numerous accolades. But this one, she insists, stands apart.

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“I have received many awards throughout my career,” she reflected. “But today, as I hold the Ekushey Padak, it feels like the greatest honour of my life — the very best of them all. And to receive it in the month of February, makes it even more meaningful.”

Her voice softened as she paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the Bangla language. “I have the deepest respect for the Language Martyrs who gave their lives for our mother tongue. I pray for them from my heart. My respect also goes to the language soldiers who are still with us.”

The moment also stirred memories of her parents. “As soon as I received the medal, I thought of my parents,” she said. “If they were alive today, they would have been immensely proud. I would have placed this medal in their hands first.”

Babita did not forget the filmmakers who shaped her journey. With reverence, she remembered Satyajit Ray, under whose direction she delivered one of the most memorable performances of her career. She also spoke fondly of Subhash Dutta, Khan Ataur Rahman, Narayan Ghosh Mita and Amjad Hossain, among others. “I am here because of them,” she said simply.

Naturally, the name of Zahir Raihan surfaced in her reflections. “Of course, he was the first person who came to mind,” she shared. “There are no words enough to speak of him. I dedicate this Ekushey Padak to Zahir Raihan.”

Looking back, she smiled at the memory of a young girl with braided hair walking to school — a girl who could never have imagined this day. “That little girl, swaying her braids as she went to school, has received the Ekushey Padak today because of everyone’s love,” she said. “My parents, family, teachers, directors, producers, everyone in the film industry, and my journalist brothers and sisters — my heartfelt love to you all.”

Asked about her exchange with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the ceremony, Babita shared a tender anecdote. “As I received the medal from him, I said, ‘I accepted the National Film Award from your father, and today I received the Ekushey Padak from you.’ He seemed very pleased to hear that. And I felt very happy too.”