Bangladesh Film Artistes Association to honour departed and ailing stars

The Bangladesh Film Artistes Association has taken a unique initiative to honour departed legends of the country's film industry and pray for the recovery of those who are unwell.

Under the banner "Smritir Ayanay Kingbadantir Drishya" (Reflection of Legends in the Mirror of Memory), the association is organising a day-long programme for the first time today at its BFDC premises. The schedule includes a Qur'an recitation, a memorial session, prayers, and a communal lunch.

The event will be attended by family members of late artistes and a host of celebrated film personalities, including Sohel Rana, Alamgir, Anwara, Shabnam, Khaleda Akter Kolpana, Ahmed Sharif, Nuton, Nayeem-Shabnaz, Bapparaj-Somrat, and Rasheda Akter, among others.

Arman, joint general secretary of the association, said, "Most of our legendary artistes have passed away. They built our industry and gave us this association. This initiative is our way of paying tribute to them with due respect."

Executive member and actress Rumana Islam Mukti added, "For the first time, we've dared to organise something like this. Our senior artistes, even those who rarely visit BFDC now, have expressed eagerness to attend. Ahmed Sharif has even flown back from the US just to join us."

Actress Riana Parveen Poli noted that the initiative is vital for both past and present generations. "We learned acting by watching our seniors, many of whom are no longer with us, while some are battling illness. If we don't stand for them, no one will stand for us in the future."

Actor Sony Rahman echoed similar sentiments, describing it as "a groundbreaking initiative that has received overwhelming response."

The initiative is being spearheaded by Senior Vice-President Masum Parvez Rubel, along with Arman, Treasurer Kamal Patekar, executive members Chunnu, Rumana Islam Mukti, Riana Parveen Poli, Sony Rahman, and actor Shiba Shanu.

Senior artistes have already praised the effort, calling it long overdue for an industry whose golden age between the 1970s and 1990s produced many timeless stars and films that continue to live in the hearts of millions.