‘Babita and I are kindred spirits’: Suchanda on her baby sister’s birthday

Veteran actor Suchanda, one of the most celebrated stars of Bangladeshi cinema’s golden era, says her younger sister Babita is more than just family—she is someone with whom she shares an extraordinary emotional bond.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Suchanda reflected on Babita’s remarkable career and their lifelong relationship as the legendary actor celebrates her birthday.

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“I am incredibly proud of Babita,” Suchanda said. “It gives me immense joy that my beloved younger sister has earned such recognition both at home and abroad. Through her acting, she has reached extraordinary heights. More importantly, she has enriched Dhallywood while building an exceptional legacy of her own.”

Suchanda revealed that it was she who first introduced Babita to the film industry.

“Our father was not willing to let her act in films. I persuaded him after much insistence and brought Babita into cinema. But everything she has achieved since then is the result of her own dedication, hard work and honesty.”

Reflecting on their relationship, Suchanda said the sisters share striking similarities in their personalities, tastes and preferences.

“Babita and I are kindred spirits. We have so much in common—our tastes, our choices, even the food we enjoy. On many occasions, without speaking to each other, we have attended events wearing sarees of exactly the same colour. People would ask if we had planned it over the phone. We would simply laugh because it happened naturally.”

She recalled another incident that, in her view, reflected their unique connection.

“Once Babita asked me to buy her a lipstick while I was going to Gulshan Market. She mentioned only the shade she wanted. I found exactly the one she had in mind. When I gave it to her, she was astonished and asked how I had managed to buy the exact lipstick she wanted. I told her, ‘That’s what happens when two people understand each other so well.’”

Suchanda added that while their younger sister Champa is naturally outgoing and easily befriends people, she and Babita are more reserved.

“We take time to know people and only become close when we feel our values and outlook align.”

The veteran actor also said she had played a motherly role in Babita’s life following the death of their mother during their childhood.

“I raised Babita with immense love. She is not only my sister; she is like my own child.”

Every year, if Babita is in Bangladesh on her birthday, Suchanda prepares all of her favourite dishes at home for a family celebration.

“I know exactly what she loves to eat, so I cook those dishes. Then the whole family gathers around the table. My grandchildren adore her—they call her ‘Babi Nanu’. We don’t enjoy extravagant birthday celebrations; we prefer to celebrate quietly at home, and Babita likes that too.”

According to Suchanda, Babita continues to seek her advice before making important decisions.

“Whatever she does, she tells me first and asks for my opinion. She has always shown me tremendous respect, and that means a great deal to me.”

She also praised Babita’s intelligence and instinct throughout her career.

“She was very mischievous as a child, but she has always been exceptionally intelligent. She knows exactly when and how to make the right decisions. I believe that is why she has been part of so many outstanding films and received recognition both in Bangladesh and abroad.”

Concluding her tribute, Suchanda wished her sister a long and happy life.

“My beloved younger sister Babita has all my love. I pray that she lives a long, healthy life.”