I found him similar to Uttam Kumar: Suchanda remembers Nayak Raj

Actress Suchanda was one of the most celebrated stars of Bangladesh’s golden era of cinema. She acted in numerous audience-favourite films and achieved immense popularity. Many of the songs from her films are still fondly remembered and sung by audiences. Her film “Jibon Theke Neya” still remains a part of the history of Bangla cinema as one of the greatest films ever. She starred opposite many leading actors, including legendary actor Nayak Raj Razzak, with whom she first formed a pair in “Behula”.

Actress Suchanda reminisced about Nayak Raj Razzak, on the day when he left for good.

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“Raj Razzak was, above all, a good human being. He was extremely warm-hearted and generous. As an artiste, he was undoubtedly brilliant. He was an extraordinary actor. He approached every character with 100 per cent preparation and dedication. He had an immense love and passion for acting. He would first understand and internalise a character before portraying it,” Suchanda said.

Suchanda also said she found similarities between Razzak and Uttam Kumar. “I used to find a resemblance between Raj Razzak and Uttam Kumar. Many people said the same thing at the time. I felt there was some similarity between them. Perhaps he also had something of Uttam Kumar within him. Their hairstyles were quite similar. Razzak was originally from Kolkata as well, before moving to this country. He had that same kind of presence on camera.”

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She recalled her first pairing with Razzak in “Behula”. “I first acted opposite Raj Razzak in ‘Behula’, directed by Zahir Raihan. I remember an incident from that time. One day, I saw Raj Razzak sitting on the veranda of our house. Suddenly, Zahir Raihan walked up to him, and Razzak stood up. Zahir Raihan then said, ‘You are the hero of my film ‘Behula’. You are Lakhindar in ‘Behula’.’ Razzak then hugged Zahir Raihan. He was incredibly happy that day.”

“After that, we started shooting for the film. I got to know Razzak closely as an actor. I came to understand and know him better. After that, I believe we worked together in ‘Anowara’. We went on to act in many films together. We also worked together in romantic films,” she added.

Recalling ‘Kagojer Nouka’, Suchanda said, “As far as I remember, Razzak played a small role in ‘Kagojer Nouka’. That was when I first saw him. To be honest, Razzak was perfectly suited to romantic roles. He was exceptionally well-suited as the hero of romantic films. At the same time, he gave excellent performances in other kinds of roles as well. He was a successful leading actor.”

“Razzak had many qualities. He possessed a strong work ethic and a willingness to work hard. He was honest. That is why he was able to take himself to such great heights. He managed to find a place in the hearts of audiences, and they embraced him as one of their own,” Suchanda said.

In conclusion, she said, “Razzak is no longer with us. Many others are gone too. There is a profound sense of emptiness. One day, none of us will remain. I pray for Raj Razzak and wish peace for his soul.”