The doctors had almost given up hope: Raisul Islam Asad reflects on life-changing ordeal
For more than five decades, Raisul Islam Asad has remained one of Bangladesh's most respected actors—a decorated Freedom Fighter, a six-time National Film Award winner, an Ekushey Padak recipient and the recipient of the National Film Award for Lifetime Achievement.
From his unforgettable portrayal of Kuber in “Padma Nadir Majhi” to his acclaimed performances in Indian Bengali cinema, Asad's career has spanned stage, television and film, leaving an indelible mark on South Asian storytelling. Although he has stepped away from regular acting in recent years, his legacy continues to resonate with audiences.
Now in the United States, the veteran actor spoke to The Daily Star, reflecting on life, fulfilment, old friendships and the enduring love he has received from generations of admirers.
"There is nothing more beautiful than life," Asad said. "Simply being alive is a blessing. To live, to breathe deeply and embrace each day—everything about it is beautiful.”
Having witnessed the highs and lows of both his personal and professional journey, Asad believes happiness cannot be measured by wealth.
"Money is certainly important, but people do not need an enormous amount of it," he said. "Life goes on even without great wealth. We see countless examples around us. To live well and happily, you don't need excessive money."
Looking back on a career that has earned him some of Bangladesh's highest civilian and artistic honours, he remains most grateful for something else.
"I have experienced so much in life," he said. "I have received respect, affection and immense love from people. Those are my greatest achievements."
The conversation naturally turned to his early theatre days with Dhaka Theatre, where he shared the stage with some of the country's finest performers, including his close friends Humayun Faridee and Afzal Hossain.
"I have always said Faridee was the most powerful actor of our generation, and I still believe that," Asad said. We shared countless wonderful memories together."
Speaking about Afzal Hossain, he added, "Afzal is one of the people closest to my heart. We have so many beautiful memories together. He is an extraordinarily gifted artiste."
Despite enjoying immense popularity, Asad said he never chased quantity over quality.
"If I wanted to, I could have appeared in many more films," he said. "But I deliberately chose not to work excessively. Even then, I received the National Film Award six times. Perhaps that happened because I always tried to be associated with meaningful work."
Among the films that continue to define his career is Syed Salahuddin Zaki's “Ghuddi”, where he starred opposite Suborna Mustafa. Decades after its release, the film and its songs remain beloved by audiences.
"It feels wonderful that people still remember “Ghuddi” and continue to speak about it," he said.
Asad also revisited one of the most difficult chapters of his life—his critical illness more than two decades ago, when he spent weeks at BIRDEM Hospital and was eventually placed on life support.
"The doctors had almost given up hope," he recalled. "My relatives and loved ones came to see me because they thought they were seeing me for the last time. But by the grace of the Almighty and through the prayers of countless people, I survived."
He believes that experience changed his perspective forever.
"People across the country prayed for me—from cities to villages. I survived because of the Almighty’s mercy and the prayers of ordinary people. That is why I believe there is nothing greater than people's love and prayers."
For an artiste whose career has stretched from the Liberation War to the golden era of Bangladeshi cinema and theatre, the greatest reward, he says, has never been awards or acclaim.
"I have received immeasurable love and respect from people throughout my life," Asad said. "It is impossible to express my gratitude in words."
Even while spending time away from home in the United States, he says that affection continues to reach him across continents.
"The calls, the messages and the love I receive from people in Bangladesh always touch me deeply," he said. "They remind me, time and again, that life truly is beautiful."
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