Timeless films of Kabori

Published at 08:16 pm April 17th, 2021

The British Film Institute listed "Titash Ekti Nodir Naam"as one of the 10 greatest Bangladeshi films of all time. Collected

The film career of legendary actor Sarah Begum Kabori started when she was but a teenager, debuting with Shubhash Dutta’s “Sutorang” (1968). Her charismatic screen presence made her an instant hit among audiences and film-makers alike. Eventually, “the sweet girl” went on to star in films of nearly all the great directors of her time, from Ritwik Ghatak to Zahir Raihan. Frequently paired with the Nayokraj, Razzak-Kabori remain to this day one of the most cherished on-screen couples of Bangladesh. Below is a collection of some of the films that cemented her brilliance in the hall of fame of Bangla films.

Nil Akasher Niche (1969)

The film with its wildly popular song by the same name is a Razzak-Kabori staple. A rich girl falls in love with a poor, talented student, who occasionally works a taxi driver. In a twist of fate, he saves a girl’s life and romance ensues. Director Narayan Ghosh Mita and writer Ismail Mohammad’s classic still holds the fancy of more audiences than the most popular blockbusters of today.

Titash Ekti Nodir Naam (1973)

The Indo-Bangladesh joint production was based on a novel by the same name, written by Adwaita Mallabarman. Directed by Ritwik Ghatak, Kabori was joined by Rosy Samad, Golam Mostafa, Prabir Mitra, and Roushan Jamil who played other major roles.

The story follows a fisherman, Kishore, whose young bride is kidnapped on the river Titas. Kishore goes mad in despair. Unbeknown to him, the girl fights with the bandits, jumps into the river and is saved by some villagers. Unfortunately, she doesn't even know her husband's name. Ten years later, she and her son find Kishore, but the famine-ridden villagers see these outsiders as a threat.

It was the most internationally acclaimed film Kabori starred in. The British Film Institute listed it as one of the 10 greatest Bangladeshi films of all time.

Sujon Sokhi (1975)

Directed by Khan Ataur Rahman, the film centres on the conflict between two brothers that tear a family apart. Their children reunite them, as the plot unfolds. Starring opposite Farooque, Kabori won Bachsas Award for Best Actress for her role in the film. Sabina Yasmin and Abdul Alim won Bangladesh National Film Awards for the enormously popular song "Saat Sokhire Par Korite".

Sareng Bou (1978)

Adapted from Shahidullah Kaiser’s novel, the film revolves around the lives of people living in the costal areas of Bangladesh. Kadam-sareng goes back to working on a ship shortly after marrying Nobitun. He sends letters and money to his wife, which is confiscated by an influential leader of the village. Rejecting the thug’s romantic advances, Nobitun works hard in rice fields, which wreaks havoc on her loved ones. Directed by Abdullah Al Mamun, and also starring Kabori and Farooq, this film too features an unforgettable song, “O Re Nil Doriya.” The film bestowed on Kabori a National Film Award for Best Actress.

Devdas (1982)

Based on Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s beloved novel, the Chashi Nazrul Islam directorial stars Kabori as Parvati and Bulbul Ahmed as Devdas. In this first Bangladeshi adaptation in colour, Devdas journeys home after spending a decade studying abroad. He plans to marry his childhood sweetheart Parvati, but the union is forbidden by his parents. Consequently, Parvati marries a wealthy man, as Devdas seeks refuge in alcohol. The director remade the film in 2013 casting Shakib Khan, Apu Biswas and Moushumi, as Devdas, Parvati and Chandramukhi respectively.