Nuton voices disappointment over neglect of senior artistes

Veteran actress Nuton has expressed sorrow over what she describes as the neglect of senior artistes in the film industry, saying many are forgotten while still alive.

She shared her feelings last Friday at an iftar gathering organised by the Bangladesh Film Artistes Association (BFAA). Meeting colleagues after a long time brought her visible joy, but when asked how she was doing, Nuton paused before responding.

“I am alive, yet it feels like I am not,” she said. “People invite me to occasional events, and there everyone asks how I am. After that, there is no further contact.”

The actress revealed that her husband, filmmaker Ruhul Amin Babul, passed away in December. She said she received little support or inquiry from industry members during that difficult period. “No one even called to ask how I was coping,” she added, describing it as a deep personal regret.

Nuton questioned why the lives of artistes often follow such a pattern. Reflecting on her 52-year career in cinema, she said recognition often comes only after death. “When we die, newspapers publish a photograph and write about how good we were. Why is that not done while we are alive?” she asked.

Speaking about her late husband, who worked as a producer and director and was a member of the James Group, Nuton said he had made significant contributions to the industry. However, she claimed that few colleagues visited him during his illness, and attendance at his funeral was limited.

“When someone is alive, everyone calls them a friend. After they are gone, no one is there,” she said. She urged the industry to remember and honour the contributions of artistes, directors and producers not only after their passing but during their lifetimes.