Wednesday marks the second death anniversary of Nayak Raj Razzak (King of Heroes). Razzak’s absence in the Bangladeshi cinema industry can never be restored. Razzak was a maestro in playing versatile characters which is why he was called King of Heroes.
The actor won the hearts of millions over the years for the characters he played in many films.
He first appeared in a film, Shilalipi. In 1964, he moved to Dhaka from Kolakata and met Abdul Jabbar Khan, producer of the film Mukh O Mukhosh. He acted in more or less 300 films.
He prowess can be seen in many critically and box office hit movies like Neel Akasher Nichey, Maynamati, Moner Moto Bou, Swaralipi, Osru Diye Likha, and Obujh Mon among others.
Razzak’s first big break in cinema came with his role in Zahir Raihan’s Behula in 1966. Razzak again collaborated with Zahir Raihan in the 1970 film, Jibon Theke Neya. Razzak’s portrayal of Faruk in the film took him to a different height as an actor.
The film is a political satire based on the Bengali Language Movement under the Pakistani regime. The film metaphorically, shows an autocratic woman in one family that symbolizes the political dictatorship of Ayub Khan in East Pakistan.
Parallelly, the people of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) rise in political protest, while inside, the family members raise their voices against the dictatorial woman. Their family politics represent the political situation during the Pakistani regime which led to the birth of Bangladesh.
Razzak plays the character of the youngest brother of the family, Faruk who is also involved in politics.
Razzak’s character in Jibon thake Neya demonstrates the bravery of youngsters whose sacrifices gave us an independent Bangladesh. Faruk is brave and outspoken who stands against any sort of injustice and oppression. In the film, Faruk risks his life and take part in the Language Movement.
The film also stars Shuchonda, Anawar Hossain, Khan Ataur Rahman, Rosy Samad and others.
As a responsible and national award winning actor, Razzak also appeared in other film featuring the Liberation War and post war society such as Ora Egaro Jon, Alor Michhil etc.
The great actor who contributed so much to the Bangla cinema died on August 21 in 2017, creating an immense vacuum in the industry.
