Suchanda’s six decades of cinematic brilliance
As Suchanda celebrates her birthday today (September 19), let us look back on a remarkable six-decade journey in Dhaka cinema.
One of the most renowned faces of the golden era of Bangladeshi cinema, she made her big-screen debut 60 years ago with "Kagojer Nouka", directed by Subhash Dutta, marking the beginning of a career that would establish her as one of the leading actresses of her generation.
Over the course of her illustrious career, Suchanda appeared in numerous films and earned the admiration of generations of cinema-goers. Her contribution to Bangladeshi cinema was recognised with the National Film Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Throughout her career, Suchanda acted opposite many leading actors. However, her pairing with Nayak Raj Razzak became particularly popular, with the duo appearing together in several memorable films. Many of the songs from their films continue to be remembered by audiences.
One such memorable musical sequence featured Suchanda and Razzak in "Jibon Sangeet". The song, "Jibonta Hoy Jodi", was sung by Mohammad Ali Siddiqui and Ferdousi Rahman. In the sequence, Razzak is seen riding a motorcycle with Suchanda as they travel together, singing along to the song. Directed by Mustafa Mehmood, the scene remains a nostalgic reminder of the musical romance that characterised an era of Dhaka cinema.
The film "Moner Moto Bou", starring Suchanda and Razzak, was directed by Rahim Nawaz. Rawshan Jamil played the role of Suchanda's mother.
In the story, Razzak comes to teach Suchanda's character music, and the two eventually fall in love. However, their relationship takes a dramatic turn. Razzak goes to the studio and sends a photograph to his father, while Suchanda's character later goes to his father's house. Her mother does not approve of the relationship and
In the story, Razzak comes to teach Suchanda's character music, and the two eventually fall in love. However, their relationship takes a dramatic turn. Razzak goes to the studio and sends a photograph to his father, while Suchanda's character later goes to his father's house. Her mother does not approve of the relationship and wants her to marry her sister's son instead. One of the film's songs, "Aha Ki Je Sundor", received widespread praise and became particularly popular.
Suchanda and Razzak also appeared in very different roles in "Chandranath", directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam and based on a novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. In the film, Razzak addresses Suchanda as his mother, while Doyel plays the role of Suchanda's daughter.
The departure from their familiar romantic pairing offered audiences a different dimension of the two actors' performances, which received considerable appreciation.
"Nayon Tara" was another notable film in Suchanda's career, with Azim playing opposite her. Azim portrayed the son of a wealthy family, while Suchanda played the daughter of a poor schoolteacher. Their relationship develops into love, but Azim's family refuses to accept it. Suchanda's character eventually goes into hiding, before the couple are finally reunited after a series of dramatic events.
Another enduring musical memory from Suchanda and Razzak is the song "Chokh Je Moner Kotha Bole" from "Je Agune Puri". The song became hugely popular and continues to retain its appeal among audiences.
Suchanda's filmography includes a wide range of acclaimed films, allowing her to explore characters far beyond the conventional heroine.
She was paired opposite Razzak in "Songsar", whose opening scene shows Suchanda carrying a child in her arms while desperately searching for shelter on a stormy night. She eventually finds refuge and, arriving at a house amid the storm, asks, "Will you give me some shelter?"
The film also featured Razzak performing in a jatra troupe, while a song filmed on Suchanda, "Je Jon Premer Bhab Jane Na", became another memorable part of the film. One of its notable lines was, "Business is one thing, and love is another."
Suchanda also shared the screen with Anwar Hossain in the social drama "Doyal Murshid", in which Anwar Hossain played the male lead and Suchanda the female lead. Both portrayed characters known for their honesty and upright nature.
The film "Jibon Theke Neya", directed by Zahir Raihan, marked another significant chapter in Suchanda's career. The film went on to earn a place among the timeless classics of Dhaka cinema, while Suchanda's performance was also widely praised.
In "Anowara", Suchanda took on the titular role and earned widespread acclaim. The film was based on literary material.
She later appeared as a guest artiste in the acclaimed film "Dhire Bohe Meghna". She was also the leading actress in "Behula", the film that marked Razzak's debut as a leading man.
Suchanda took on yet another kind of role in "Kotha Dilam". Farooque played the male lead, with Babita and Sucharita as the female leads. Suchanda portrayed Farooque's sister-in-law and once again received appreciation for her performance.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Suchanda's contribution to cinema extends beyond acting. She has worked as an actress, producer and director, taking on different creative responsibilities throughout her career.
She earned considerable praise for directing "Hajar Bochor Dhore", based on Zahir Raihan's acclaimed novel. Her journey in cinema began under the direction of Subhash Dutt, and six decades later, her name remains closely associated with the history and evolution of Bangladeshi cinema.
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