Zafar Iqbal: The ‘hero’ behind the camera and microphone
Zafar Iqbal is primarily remembered as one of the stylish heroes of the silver screen. But beyond acting, he had another identity — he was a musician. He played the guitar and sang, and alongside modern songs, he also lent his voice to playback songs in films.
Even before becoming an actor, Zafar Iqbal dreamed of establishing himself in the world of music. In 1966, he formed the band Rolling Stone with his friends. Music legend Elvis Presley was one of his favourite artistes, and his songs and singing style had a profound influence on him.
His love for music ran in the family. Zafar Iqbal was born into a musical family. His elder sister was renowned singer Shahnaz Rahmatullah, while his elder brother was music director Anwar Parvez. As a result, music and melodies surrounded him from an early age. When musical gatherings were held at home, he would play the tabla alongside his sister Shahnaz Rahmatullah. At times, he even made his own guitar and sang.
Zafar Iqbal's first film was “Apon Por”, directed by Khan Ataur Rahman and released in 1969. Kobori was his co-star in the film.
Almost nine years after making his debut as a film hero, Zafar Iqbal made his playback debut in 1978 with Darashiko's “Fakir Majnu Shah”. He sang the song “Premer Agune Jwole Gelam Sojoni Go” with Runa Laila. The song was written by Gazi Mazharul Anwar and composed by Alauddin Ali. Zafar Iqbal and Bobita featured in the picturisation of the song.
Six years later, in 1984, he sang playback again in Nayakraj Razzak's directorial “Badnam”. The song, “Hoy Jodi Badnam Hok Aro, Ami To Ekhon Ar Noi Karo”, was written by Gazi Mazharul Anwar and composed by Anwar Parvez. Razzak featured in the picturisation of the song.
Apart from these two songs, there is little-known information about any other playback performances by Zafar Iqbal.
Outside film playback, his modern songs included “Sukhe Theko O Amar Nandini Hoye Karo Ghoroni”. In the 1980s, an audio album titled “Keno Tumi Kandale” was also released featuring his songs.
At an event marking the 25th anniversary of Bangladesh Television, Zafar Iqbal performed the song “Ek Hridoyhinor Kache Hridoyer Dam Ki Ache”. Rafiq-ul Alam later also sang the song.
Zafar Iqbal first appeared opposite Bobita in the mid-1970s in the film “Surjo Sangram”. With the release of “Mastan” in 1975, he established himself as a ‘dashing’ hero. He later became known as a romantic hero through the film “Noyoner Alo”.
Zafar Iqbal acted in around 150 films. Some of his notable films include “Obujh Hridoy”, “Bhai Bondhu”, “Obodan”, “Premik”, “Sadharon Meye”, “Fakir Majnu Shah”, “Diner Por Din”, “Bedwin”, “Ongshidar”, “Megh Bijli Badol”, “Noyoner Alo”, “Sat Rajar Dhan”, “Ashirbad”, “Opoman”, “Ek Mutho Bhat”, “Griholokkhi”, “Ogo Bideshini”, “Premik”, “Nawab”, “Protirodh”, “Phuler Mala”, “CID”, “Morzada”, “Shondhi”, “Bondhu Amar” and “Usila”.
Today marks the birth anniversary of the modern, romantic and stylish hero. Born in Dhaka on September 25, 1950, Zafar Iqbal passed away on January 8, 1992, at the age of just 41.
As an actor, he was modern, romantic and stylish on screen. His songs carried the spirit of youth, while his voice in film songs continues to distinguish him from his contemporaries.
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