Did You Know?

The first Bangalee Muslim actress to grace the silver screen was Rokeya Khatun. She was possibly the first Muslim actress in Indian cinema as well. However, because of religious and social stigma associated with being an actress in those days, she could not work in Bengal. She had to go to Lahore to become an actress and her real name and background were concealed, as her father was a barrister. Rokeya's still pictures were published in monthly Sawgaat in 1937.

Kazi Nazrul Islam made his debut as a film actor and director with the movie Dhrubo. He was perhaps the first Bangalee Muslim film director. Nazrul portrayed the Hindu mythological character, Narad. However, he faced some harsh criticism for his portrayal of the role. The film was released on January 1, 1934.

Jago Hua Savera (Day shall dawn), an Urdu movie made in the 50s on the lives of the hard working, common folks of the rural east Bengal, was based on the renowned literary work Padma Nadeer Majhi by Manik Bandyapaddhay. The movie was made by AJ Kardaar.

Compiled by Cultural Correspondent