‘An actor like Javed did not receive an award in his lifetime, it is heartbreaking’: Babita
Internationally acclaimed actress Babita and the late actor Ilias Javed acted together as a pair in many films. Those films have left a lasting mark on audiences’ hearts. One of the most successful and super-duper commercially successful films of this duo was “Nishan”. The film ran in theatres continuously for more than a year. “Chupi Chupi Bolo Keu Jene Jabe”, a song from “Nishan”, remains popular even today.
Speaking to The Daily Star from Canada about the late actor Ilias Javed, Babita said, “I heard the sad news of actor Javed’s death from a distant country. I was deeply hurt and devastated. I have countless memories from my acting life associated with him. Upon hearing of his passing, those memories are flashing before my eyes. I find myself thinking about him more and more.”
In response to a question about how she first met Ilias Javed, Babita said, “I don’t remember exactly. But I do recall that I first got to know him as a dance director. He was the dance director for many of my films. The same happened in the lives of many other artistes like me. He could dance so beautifully and taught very simply.”
Expressing regret, Babita said, “What hurts the most is that an actor like Javed did not receive any award in his lifetime. It surprises me and pains me. Despite being Pakistani, he stayed in this country. He worked all his life out of love for the Bangla language and Bangla cinema. His contribution to Dhallywood is immense. Yet he did not receive recognition. Whose responsibility is that? Sometimes I think about it and feel astonished—an actor like Javed did not receive an award in his lifetime. It is heartbreaking.”
When asked about the much-discussed film “Nishan”, Babita said, “Many of our films were commercially successful, but ‘Nishan’ became the most talked-about. In this film, he played a dual role and demonstrated his talent as an artiste. Audiences loved his performance so much that they still remember it. ‘Nishan’ ran in theatres for years, and audiences kept watching.”
Babita also said,“The song ‘Chupi Chupi Bolo Keu Jene Jabe’ from ‘Nishan’ is still on many people’s lips. I remember we shot it on a set at FDC. Many people thought it was shot outdoors. No, the work was done at FDC. I never imagined the song would receive such a response. After Nishan, the two of us worked together again.”
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 
Recalling past memories, Babita said: “After Javed passed away, one incident keeps coming back to me. Ten or twelve years ago, a rumour suddenly spread that I had died. This bad news reached Javed. Upon hearing it, actor Javed rushed to my home. As soon as he arrived, he said, ‘Babita, I couldn’t stay calm after hearing such bad news, so I rushed here.’ That day I realised he was a big-hearted person.”
Finally, she said,“In his later days, he fought cancer and passed away. I used to speak with his wife and inquire about him. His passing brings back so many thoughts and memories. One day, everyone has to leave. I pray for peace for his soul.”
Comments