Renowned actress and two-time National Film Award winner Anjana Rahman has passed away (Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raziun). She died Friday night while undergoing treatment at BSMMU. The information was confirmed by film journalist Ahmed Tepantar.
She was 60. Her funeral prayer (Namaz-e-Janaza) is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) premises. Further details about her burial were unavailable at the time of reporting.
According to family sources, Anjana fell ill on December 24 and was admitted to a private hospital in Dhaka with a high fever. The infection spread rapidly, and her condition deteriorated. On January 1, she was transferred to the ICU at BSMMU, where she was placed on life support until her passing.
News of her death sparked an outpouring of grief. Relatives, friends, and members of the film industry gathered at the hospital, mourning the loss of an iconic figure.
Before her rise to stardom in film, Anjana Rahman was a celebrated dancer. Her passion for the art led her to train in Kathak under Ustad Baburaj Hiralal in India. Her dedication earned her three National Awards for dance, establishing her as a prominent cultural figure even before her acting career began.
Anjana debuted in the film industry in 1976 with Babul Chowdhury’s Setu. However, her first released film was Dasyu Banhoor, directed by Shamsuddin Togor, where she starred opposite Sohel Rana.
Her career took off in 1978 with Ashikhita, where she shared the screen with legendary actor Raj Razzak. Over the years, she worked with numerous celebrated actors, including Alamgir, Jasim, Bulbul Ahmed, Zafar Iqbal, and international stars such as Mithun Chakraborty (India), Javed Sheikh (Pakistan), and Bhuvan KC (Nepal).
With a career spanning over 300 films, Anjana delivered memorable performances in classics like Sukher Sansar, Jadu Nagar, Nepali Girl, Madhbeelata, Anarkali, Agnipurusha, and King of Kings. Her talent transcended borders, captivating audiences in India, Pakistan, Turkey, Nepal, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
Anjana Rahman’s remarkable acting earned her two National Film Awards for Best Actress: in 1981 for Gangchil and in 1986 for Parineeta. She also won the Bachsas Award three times for her roles in Mohana, Parineeta, and Ram Rahim John.
Anjana Rahman leaves behind a legacy of artistic brilliance, celebrated both on stage and screen. Her contributions to Bangladeshi cinema and dance remain a source of inspiration for future generations.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
