Ilias Javed’s wife declines posthumous honours
Dolly Chowdhury, the wife of veteran actor and choreographer Ilias Javed, has firmly declined any posthumous recognition or awards for her late husband, voicing deep disappointment over the film industry’s failure to honour him during his lifetime.
Ilias Javed, who enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than five decades as a popular film actor and accomplished dance director, passed away on Wednesday after a prolonged battle with cancer. His death was confirmed by his wife, actress Dolly Chowdhury.
In several interviews following his passing, a grief-stricken Chowdhury spoke candidly about the lack of recognition Javed received while he was alive. She made it clear that she has no interest in accepting honours or accolades now that he is gone.
“If he wasn’t valued while he was alive, if he wasn’t honoured by his own workplace, then what is the point of all these honours after he’s gone?” she said. “I don’t want any more recognition for what Javed did. I am rejecting all of this.”
Reflecting on her husband’s long career, she added, “For nearly 55 years, he worked tirelessly for this industry, often going without food. He gave everything he had. Now he is gone. All I ask is that everyone pray for him. I will not accept any awards or honours. Since he did not receive them while he was alive, what good are they to him after death?”
Ilias Javed began his journey in the film industry as a choreographer in the 1960s. He got his first opportunity as a dance director in the Urdu film “Maleen”, directed by Kaiser Pasha. In 1964, he made his acting debut with the Urdu film “Nayi Zindagi”.
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Over the course of his extensive acting career, Javed appeared in numerous popular films, including “Malka Banu”, “Onek Din Age”, “Shahzadi”, “Nishan”, “Rajkumari Chandrabhan”, “Kajol Rekha”, and “Saheb Bibi”. The song “Chupi Chupi Bolo Keu Jene Jabe” from the film “Nishan” brought him widespread popularity. He remained actively involved in acting until the 1990s.
Through his work as both an actor and a choreographer, Ilias Javed helped nurture multiple generations of artistes. Industry insiders believe his death marks the end of a significant chapter in Bengali cinema.
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