The country may regret ignoring my contribution: Sohel Rana at 80
Veteran actor Sohel Rana, the producer of independent Bangladesh’s first Liberation War film “Ora 11 Jon” and the man who made a striking silver screen debut with “Masud Rana”, turned 80 today (February 21). Over the decades, he has worn many hats—actor, director, producer, freedom fighter and political activist.
On his birthday, he spoke to The Daily Star about love, legacy and the passage of time. “The love I have received is beyond anything”. Only a few figures in Dhallywood command the kind of reverence Sohel Rana does. Yet, reflecting on his journey, he remains charmingly humble.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. “The kind of love I have received in one lifetime, and continue to receive, is something very few people are fortunate enough to have,” he said. “I was not exceptionally handsome, nor did I come into films armed with great knowledge of acting. Yet, the audience embraced me with extraordinary affection. They respect me. This love cannot be bought with anything.”
He paused before adding, “Many people have many things in life, but they lack love. That, I believe, is the greatest achievement of all.”
Birthdays, for Sohel Rana, are marked not only by reflection but by remarkable gestures of loyalty. “For more than 30 years, there has been one man who comes to my house only on my birthday,” he shared with a smile. “His name is Dipu. He came again today, with his children, bringing a cake. He asks for nothing. He comes only to express his love.”
Dipu never visits at any other time of the year. “You will not find him for the remaining 364 days,” Sohel Rana laughed. “But on my birthday, at eleven in the morning, he arrives without fail. This year, he came 30 minutes early. There are many fans and younger admirers,” he continued, “but no one has shown such consistent affection as Dipu.”
He also mentioned another admirer who prefers to remain anonymous. “He lives abroad. He comes only on my birthday, pays his respects, gives a gift, and leaves. Such selfless affection is rare.”
Asked how he views the love of the public as an actor, Sohel Rana was unequivocal. “There is no personal credit here. All credit belongs to Almighty Allah. He alone grants honour. Some people try for years and do not receive this kind of love; others are given it more easily. It is a gift from the creator.”
At 80, birthdays carry a different meaning. “Twenty or twenty-five years ago, birthdays felt different,” he reflected. “There was a different kind of thought, a different excitement. Now, when a birthday comes, I feel that another year has gone by in my life. So much has slipped away, and none of it will ever return.”
Interestingly, cinema was never part of his plan. “I never did theatre. I did not intend to act. I was involved in politics,” he said. “I have spent 55 years in politics. I fought in the Liberation War. I marched on the streets in movements and struggles. Yet somehow, I became a film hero. I think it was written in my destiny.”
As the conversation turned to state recognition, Sohel Rana’s tone grew contemplative. “‘Ora 11 Jon’ was the first Liberation War film of independent Bangladesh, and I was its producer. Yet, I was never given VVIP or even VIP status by the state for that contribution. In neighbouring countries, such recognition exists.”
He added firmly, “One day, the country may regret. It may say, why should he not receive the Independence Award? I fought directly in the war.” There was no bitterness in his voice, only conviction.
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