As ‘Dhakai’ cinema reaches 70, stars laud Abdul Jabbar Khan

“Mukh O Mukhosh”, directed by Abdul Jabbar Khan, was the first feature film produced in what is now Bangladesh. Released on August 3, 1956, it marked the beginning of the country's film industry and is recognised as the first full-length Bengali talkie made in the region. The film premiered at Rupmahal Cinema Hall in Dhaka exactly 70 years ago.

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From that historic beginning, the Bangladeshi film industry gradually flourished, producing numerous timeless classics and establishing cinema as one of the country's most cherished forms of entertainment.

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Marking the 70th anniversary of “Mukh O Mukhosh” and the birth of Bangladeshi cinema, four prominent film personalities shared their reflections with The Daily Star.

Suchanda

“There was a time when Bangladeshi cinema was known as its golden era. Over the past 70 years, our film industry has produced many remarkable works, countless timeless classics and films that have resonated deeply with audiences. But it all began with Abdul Jabbar Khan. It was through his vision that “Mukh O Mukhosh” was made seven decades ago. He was a true dreamer, and only someone with such extraordinary vision could have created a film like that. Because of his pioneering efforts, many of us were later able to enter this industry, and countless others followed.

“I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to this great man. I remember him with profound admiration.”

Babita

“Seventy years have passed since the beginning of Bangladeshi cinema. It is undoubtedly a moment of great joy. For me, it is even more special because I have been fortunate enough to be a part of this industry. I do not know how much I have contributed, but I have always tried to do meaningful work. Today, we must remember Abdul Jabbar Khan, the director of “Mukh O Mukhosh”. We must never forget him. He laid the foundation of our cinematic history, and his name will remain etched in the history of Bangladeshi cinema forever. The beautiful dream he envisioned 70 years ago has grown into a mighty banyan tree. I offer him my heartfelt gratitude.”

Rozina

“It was because of this film that opened the avenue for us to work in the film industry. Had the film never been made, perhaps we would never have had that chance, and it is difficult to imagine whether our film industry would have progressed this far. One can only imagine how progressive and visionary he must have been 70 years ago to create something so groundbreaking. It fills my heart with joy every time I think about it. I pay my deepest respects to Abdul Jabbar Khan. It was through his hands that the journey of our cinema began. We owe him an immense debt. I do not consider myself an artiste as much as I consider myself a humble member of the film fraternity.”

Gias Uddin Selim

“Bangladeshi cinema began with “Mukh O Mukhosh”. It was a landmark event — one of immense significance. After that film, many people began dreaming of making cinema. But it was Abdul Jabbar Khan who first planted the seed of that dream. I offer him my deepest respect and heartfelt love. I remember him with profound admiration and gratitude.”