Dhallywood was quick to acknowledge the legacy of iconic filmmaker and freedom fighter Chashi Nazrul Islam, who died yesterday after battling cancer for a long time. Film stars and producers joined the mourning by paying tribute to his contributions to the industry and recalling their personal attachments to him.
Razzak, actor
“May Chashi Nazrul Islam’s soul rest in peace. I lost a friend. I worked with him in ‘Bajimat’ in 1978, ‘Chandranath’ in 1984, and ‘Shubhoda Shuva’ in 1986, and later, we acted together in my son Bappa Raj’s directorial debut ‘Kartuz.’ To me, he was not only an actor, but also a member of my family.”
Shuchonda, actor and producer
“A valiant freedom fighter, friendly and always honest with his words – in short, Chashi Nazrul Islam was a great person. He had a heavy voice that would demand the attention of a houseful audience. A charismatic personality, he directed ‘Basona’ in 1989 and ‘Behula Lakhindar’ in 1987 under the banner of my production house.”
Kabori Sarwar, actor
“I still remember his smiling face when he was at the hospital, suffering from the disease. It showed his indomitable willpower. He wouldn’t show his pain to anyone. With his passing we lost a central figure in the industry. For me, personally, I am indebted to ‘Debdas’ which actually made my career. He will be greatly missed.”
Sohel Rana, actor
“One of his significant films, ‘Ora Egaro Jon,’ will be remembered fondly. There were a lot of obstacles to making the film, but Islam went ahead with the project and made it possible.”
Faruk, actor and producer
“I produced a film, ‘Mia Bhai,’ in 1987 of which he was the director. I saw in my own eyes what a perfectionist he was. He would continue to shoot and reshoot sequences until he was satisfied. I think creative persons are like that, they would see to it that their works are done to their heart’s content.”
Riaz, actor
“I still remember his heavy voice. I am very lucky to have worked with a director of his stature. I worked with him in 2004, in ‘Megher Pore Megh,’ and again in 2005, in ‘Shasti.’”
Purnima, actor
“I used to call him ‘darling’ and he used to reply saying ‘sweetheart.’ He always made time to come and see me during my shootings. Chashi Sir used to carry a black-and-white picture of mine in his wallet. The love that he gave to me was so precious.”