Q & A
" My kids simply love my home cooked dishes" -- Kabori
The quintessential 'village belle' on screen, "Kabori" underwent a metamorphosis from Meena Pal to her present persona. She ranks as a highly skilled actress of Dhallywood. Her first movie, Shutorang was the first Bangla blockbuster and won accolades at the Frankfurt Asian Film Festival in 1964. Paired with Razzak, Kabori heralded the golden age of Bangladeshi cinema. Rongbaaz, Abirbhab, Moinamoti, Aguntok, Anirban, Chokher Joley, Upohar and several others enthralled the critics as well as the masses and she's still going strong.Here's a reflection of the real Kabori: How did you set foot in filmdom?
I was hardly 13, when Shubhash Dutta gave me the first break in 1964. He was my first on screen hero and I still consider him my mentor. I acted in Shutorang under Shubhash Da's direction and, coincidentally after 40 years, in 2004 Shubhash Da acted in the movie Aaina under my direction. Most memorable experience...
It was sometime in April 1971. The Liberation War had started. We had to cross the border for safety. We were refugees with little knowledge of what the future held for us. Though I am not a public speaker, I had to deliver a speech in front of a sizeable audience in Kolkata. I delivered a speech using my name without hesitation, urging to the world to help stop the genocide in our country. Although my family members were still in Chittagong, living in grave danger, they were very proud of my stance. Later, when I met some Muktijoddhas, they said that they were greatly motivated by my speech. An exceptional moment while shooting...
During the shooting of Moinamoti, Razzak and I delivered such moving performances that the crew couldn't hold back their tears. It was a tragic scene where Moina (myself)) was going to marry the landlord and her lover Moti (Razzak) was in tears, singing Anek Shadher Moina Amar Bandhon Kete Jai. An embarrassing moment...
Again, during the shooting of Moinamoti I used a hair piece that accidentally slipped off and the crew burst into laughter. It was Razzak who came running with the wig and asked me to put it on firmly. Are you involved in social work?
I had always harboured the ambition to make films based on the plight of unwanted children and women who are acid victims. I have been working at the Acid Victim Rehab Centre at Banani for quite some time. Movies that have made an impact on you...
I enjoyed watching Cinderella Man, starring Russel Crowe. Paheli and Pareenita are equally remarkable. However, recent Holloywood blockbusters Mr and Mrs Smith and Spielberg's War of the Worlds did not impress me much. Two compliments you will always cherish...
After my first film Shutorang was released, eminent journalist Aziz Misir complimented me by saying "It's a Vini Vidi Vici, for you". Very recently, my son and daughter-in-law were watching my old movies and commented, " Ma you are the most beautiful and graceful lady in the entire world." No other compliment can match that. What are your favourite 'hang out' places?
My circle of friends is not limited to film personalities. It's fun to be in the company of my five sons, daughter-in-law and grand children. So, whenever we go to the US I make it a point to cook deshi food. They all simply love my home cooked meals and say " Tomar hathey ki jadu achey?" Roles you'd give your arm and leg for...
I've always longed to portray the role of Doriya Bibi of the novel Janani by Shawkat Osman. Osman won an Adamji Award for the novel. The story revolves around a widow and is all about women's emancipation. Another film I watched recently is Hazar Chourasi ki Ma, a novel by Mahashweta Devi. The protagonist of the film, Jaya Bachchan, left a tremendous impression on me. In our neighbouring countries, playwrights develop plots around actors to reflect their true potential. Here, sadly enough, the opportunities are very limited.
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