Their final wishes therefore reveal a painful contradiction — an industry they once loved deeply, but an institution they no longer wanted to be part of even in death.

Today, Monday (August 17), marks the birthday of the celebrated actress. Born in 1946, Shabnam turns 80 today.

Veteran Bangladeshi film stars Shabnam, Suchanda, Ujjal, Alamgir and Babita came together for a special gathering on Monday, sharing memories and stories from their illustrious careers in cinema.

“It is difficult to put into words. There are certain moments and certain times in life when everything cannot be fully expressed. That is how I feel right now. Even after hearing the news, I find it hard to describe my emotions,” Shabnam told The Daily Star.

At the time, filmmaker Tareque Masud and cinematographer-director Abdul Latif Bachchu were selected for Lifetime Achievement honours, while “Satao” won Best Film and its director, Khandaker Sumon, received the Best Director award.

A native of Old Dhaka, Shabnam occasionally revisits her roots. “I still have many relatives there, so I go from time to time. It brings back so many memories. In those days, there were horse carriages—we used to ride around in them.”

Shabnam became a household name in Bangla and Pakistani cinema during the 1960s, winning hearts with her performance in the superhit song “Ami Rup Nogorer Rajkonna”.

Famed for her roles in both Bangladeshi and Pakistani cinema, Shabnam left a lasting impact. One of her most iconic performances came in the film “Ammajan,” where she played the title role, earning widespread love and recognition. Reflecting on the legacy of that role, she shared, "Wherever I go, people still call me Ammajan. When I go to the market, I hear, ‘Here comes Ammajan!’ It makes me feel proud and honoured."

Veteran actress Shabnam was approached to become a member of the new committee of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board. She asked for two days to consider the offer but later graciously declined, citing her inability and disinterest in taking on the role. 

A face may launch a thousand ships but the very woman with the face has a passive presence in literature.

Filmmaker Reetu Sattar’s “Shabnam” has been officially selected for Ammodo Tiger Short Competition 2023 at the International Film Festival Rotterdam – IFFR. Reetu Sattar announced the news on her Facebook account. “Shabnam is officially selected at International Film Festival Rotterdam - IFFR for Ammodo Tiger Short Competition 2023,” the post read.

Prominent music composer Robin Ghosh passes away due to respiratory failure at the age of 79.