‘It is shocking that there is no initiative at the BFDC to commemorate Nayak Raj’

Nayak Raj Razzak and Alamgir worked together on many projects. They were really close friends. Marking Razzak’s 80th birth anniversary today, Alamgir spoke about his admiration for the legendary actor with The Daily Star.
Shah Alam Shazu
Shah Alam Shazu
23 January 2022, 08:56 AM
UPDATED 24 January 2022, 00:46 AM

At a time when Urdu films were the talk of the town, Nayak Raj Razzak played a key role in getting people to watch Bangla cinema. We were encouraged to watch Bangla films because of his versatile performances.

His contribution to our industry remains unparalleled. As an artiste, I will be indebted to him forever.

It is shocking that there is no initiative at the BFDC to commemorate Nayak Raj.

A tree grows when we water and look after its roots properly. If our cinema is the tree, Razzak is its true roots. Did we give him the deserved respect?

Have we truly been able to preserve and present Razzak's legacy? There is a lot of chatter these days about the plight of our film industry, but we are contributing to the misery by failing to preserve and evaluate the work of our artistes properly.

There is only one Razzak — He will continue to live on through the love of his fans. He was my mentor, friend, guide, and philosopher.

I wonder, how well does the new generation really know him? It saddens me, really. To know about this legendary actor, people need to learn about his life, watch his films, and evaluate his work.

I am sending all my love to him on his birth anniversary today, and looking back fondly at our memories and addas together.

Razzak bhai, wherever you are, please know that I will love and respect you for as long as I live.