Home ›› 13 Sep 2022 ›› Show Biz
Legendary Bangladeshi–Pakistani stage and film actress Shabnam, whose real name was Jharna Basak, made her silver screen debut with the film ‘Ei Desh Tomar Amar’, directed by Ehtesham, known to be the pioneer film director of Bangladeshi (then East Pakistan) and Pakistani cinema.
Similarly, veteran Bangladeshi film actress Shabnaz (born as Sabrina Tania) made her film debut with the movie ‘Chandni,’ also directed by Ehtesham. Later on, both Shabnam and Shabnaz marked their place in the hearts of the audience by acting in numerous films in their career.
Shabnaz said, “Shabnam Apa and I are lucky that we have made our film debut by acting in the films of veteran filmmaker Ehtesham (born as Abu Nur Muhammad Ehteshamul Haq). Our journey into the film industry was very stylistic and lavish as it was at the hands of a talented director like him. Whenever I meet Shabnam Apa, we usually always reminisce about him. I pray that Almighty Allah keeps Shabnam Apa healthy and well.”
“To be honest, I am very old now. I spend most of my time at home. I sleep early. I also get up early in the morning and drive myself to the park. I walk there for a while and come back home again. From then on, I spend my time all on my own. I watch TV, talk to someone if I want, and eat on time. I take medicine according to my doctor’s advice and follow all the rules. I am also involved in social activities. I also regularly visit my relatives’ homes. This is how I pass my time now. And I don’t have contact with many people in the film industry now. Last time, I went to an Iftar party at the invitation of the Shilpi Samiti (Bangladesh Film Actors’ Association)”, said Shabnam.
Shabnam was last seen in Kazi Hayat’s legendary film ‘Ammajaan’. She was not seen in any new movie after that for 23 years. Many directors approached her with several proposals. But she did not sign on for any Bangladeshi film after that as she did not like the scripts. She also acted in numerous films in the Pakistani film industry before doing ‘Ammajan’ in Bangladesh. She was also honoured with the Nigar Award, an annual award show to recognize outstanding achievement in Pakistani cinema, for ‘Best Actress a record 13 times. After moving to Bangladesh in 1998, fans did not see her star in any film except ‘Ammajaan.’
Meanwhile, Shabnaz last acted in the movie called ‘Daktar Bari’ directed by the late director Azizur Rahman. After that, she was not seen in any other films. Shabnaz also received offers to act in films but according to her, she was no longer interested in acting in movies.
The Bangladesh National Film Award-winning actress Shabnaz married her co-artist, Nayeem, on 4 October 1994. They have two daughters Namira and Mahadiya. They are happily living together in the capital’s Uttara region. Shabnam’s husband, noted Bangladeshi music director Robin Ghosh, passed away several years ago. Since her husband’s demise, Shabnam has been living with her only son Roni Ghosh, in the diplomatic zone of Baridhara in the capital.
