‘My last visit to BFDC left me in tears’

"Harano Diney" (1961) was my debut Bangla film, where I shared the screen with Golam Mustafa. I was paid 800 taka for the project.

I often miss Ehtesham Shaheb, who gave me a break in the Urdu film industry with "Chanda" in the early 70s. This film was a turning point in my career as it brought me many more offers. While working in Pakistan, I had a hectic shooting experience, working four shifts for different films in a day.

Though I was working in Pakistani films, I never forgot my Bangladeshi roots. I always tried to uphold my culture, even in the outfits I wore on screen.

When we returned to Dhaka, I decided to live an ordinary life. I never try to play the 'celebrity card'. I have learned to fit myself in any environment. From buying groceries to other household work, I do it all by myself.

However, I miss the days when we used to reside in Old Dhaka – the sound of galloping horses, the rides on carriages, and the chit-chats around the corners of each street. A lot has changed in this city, but nothing has changed in my memories of that time.

 My husband Robin took away a part of me when he left us in 2016. He had a pure soul. I miss him every day.  Our only son Rony, who came to visit me a few days ago, is settled abroad.

Shabnam earned much popularity as the star of many Urdu films. Photo: Collected

I also dearly miss Khan Ataur Rahman. I once decided to quit this profession, but he came to my house to speak to Robin and my in-laws, convincing me to keep working.

Among many other memories, I still clearly remember the day when Rahman lost his leg. We were shooting in Sylhet and had taken a day off.

We were all keen on playing Ludo while he decided to roam around the city. We soon got to know about his accident and rushed to the hospital. He survived the accident, but the price he paid with his leg was too high.

My last visit to BFDC left me in tears, as I was disheartened by the emptiness that has taken over the premises. The memories I have with my colleagues that we have lost over the years took over me. Since then, I have not gone back there.

Interviewed by Shah Alam Shazu