She is one of a kind: Sohel Rana on Shabana’s birthday
Few names in the history of Bangladeshi cinema have transcended generations to become legends in their own right. Among them, Shabana stands as one of the brightest. Through countless memorable performances and iconic characters, she has secured a permanent place in the hearts of audiences.
Revered as the “Queen of Dhallywood”, Shabana remains one of the most beloved figures in the country's film industry. Although she has been away from acting for many years, her films continue to captivate viewers with the same appeal they held decades ago.
Today (June 15), the legendary actress celebrates her birthday. Marking the occasion, actor, director and producer Sohel Rana spoke to The Daily Star about his long association with the star and the qualities that made her exceptional.
“Shabana was the leading lady of my films,” says Sohel Rana. “Audiences primarily know her as my on-screen heroine. We worked together on numerous films as a pair, and viewers warmly embraced us. Beyond acting alongside her, I also directed films in which she starred, and she appeared in productions that I produced. I had the opportunity to know her from several different perspectives throughout my career.”
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According to Sohel Rana, one of Shabana’s most remarkable qualities was her professionalism.
“To be honest, I always found her to be a positive and dedicated artiste,” he recalls. “Throughout our time working together, I never saw her arrive late on set. She was always punctual and fully prepared. As a director, I never had to struggle because of her. Not only was she respectful towards me, but she treated every member of the unit with kindness and courtesy.”
He believes her talents extend far beyond her star status. “If I look at her through the eyes of a director rather than a co-star, I must say she was an extraordinary actress. She had a rare ability to bring authenticity and depth to every character she portrayed.”
One particular memory remains vivid in his mind. “During the shooting of one of my films, she fell ill. I assumed she would not be able to continue shooting that day. However, despite feeling unwell, she completed the shoot. Watching her dedication left a lasting impression on me. My admiration and respect for her grew immensely. At that moment, I realised that truly great artistes possess great hearts as well.”
Often described as a living legend, Shabana’s humility is another quality Sohel Rana remembers fondly. “She has been a genuine artiste. I never witnessed any arrogance from her on a film set. She never behaved like a star, despite being one of the biggest names in the industry. What stood out was her professionalism. She embodied all the qualities of a consummate professional.”
Their association dates back to the early years of his career.
“My first production was ‘Ora Egaro Jon’, and Shabana was part of that film. I have known her since then. She was a brilliant performer—truly exceptional. In my view, there is no comparison for Shabana. She is simply one of a kind.”
Reflecting on her enduring popularity, Sohel Rana believes her connection with audiences stemmed from her authenticity and deep-rooted Bangali identity.
“There was something uniquely genuine about her. She embodied ‘Bangaliyana’ (embodying the true essence of Bangalee) in the truest sense. She always felt like one of our own, someone familiar and close to the heart. That is why audiences embraced her as a member of their family. Even today, people remain emotionally attached to her films and characters.”
Over the decades, Shabana has received numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in the National Film Awards. Yet perhaps her greatest accomplishment lies beyond trophies and honours. It is the enduring affection of millions of viewers who continue to celebrate her work long after she stepped away from the spotlight.
Generations have changed, cinema has evolved, and the industry has transformed. Yet Shabana remains as cherished as ever—a timeless icon whose legacy continues to inspire. And perhaps that is why one statement still rings true today: there is no comparison for Shabana except Shabana herself.
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