Legendary actor Razzak turns 76

Desk Report: Nayak Raj Razzak, the actor who made tremendous contributions to Bangla cinema, and won the hearts of millions over the years, has turned 76 years today (January 23).

Abdur Razzak was born on 23 January in 1942 in Naktala, South Kolkata.

He is referred to as Nayak Raj Razzak, a title given by Ahmed Zaman Chowdhury, editor of Chitrali.

During his adolescence, he participated in theatre productions in Kolkata. Hoping to become a film star, Razzak went to study film in Filmalaya in Mumbai, India in 1961.

Returning from Mumbai, he performed in two movies in Kolkata, "Pankotilak" and "Shilalipi". However, the Hindu-Muslim riot which broke out in 1964 forced Razzak and his family to migrate to Dhaka.

After migrating to East Pakistan, Razzak found the path to stardom was not easy. Initially, he acted in TV plays. However, he remained focused on his dream of becoming a 'film star'. A pioneering filmmaker in Bangladesh, Abdul Jabbar Khan, helped Razzak to join Iqbal Films Limited.

He went on to make more than 300 appearances in Bengali and Urdu movies.

The five-time National Award-winning actor has also earned fame as director. He also directed around sixteen movies.

Razzak is a UNFPA goodwill ambassador. He was also the founding president of Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association.

Razzak is married to Rajlokhhi. Together they have three sons, Bapparaj, Bappi, and Samrat, and one daughter, Moina.

He was given the Independence Day Award in 2015 by the Government of Bangladesh.

risingbd/ Dhaka/Jan 23, 2017/Mukul