A tribute to the unrivalled actress

Najma is known for her role in several works: the tele drama Kariman Bewa (2001), stage plays such as Iblish and films like Shankhinil Karagar, Dukkhai, Gontabbya, Chottogram, Shonkhanad and Hajar Bochor Dhore. Lately, she had finished a film called Joy Jatra-the country's first film in cinemascope

Najma's commitment to her media was evident in her painstaking attention to detail. For Kariman Bewa, for instance, she learnt the Rangpur dialect. Likewise she picked up the Dhakiya, Noakhali, Jessore and Barisal dialects with ease.

Though she enjoyed playing serious characters, she felt she was popular in both humorous roles--ranging from an affluent lady to a poor struggling woman. She even did comedy roles such as in Humayun Ahmed's Kothao Keu Nei.

Najma's theatrical career dated back to 40 years when she was a regular member of Dhaka Drama Circle. Later, she joined Aranyak Natyadal, a popular theatrical group, in 1980. As a regular member of Aranyak, she had performed in many popular plays. Moreover, she also performed for other theatrical groups as a guest artiste. Her last performance on the stage was in the play Loha, a Desh Natok production.

In her diversified acting career, Nazma won the heart of thousands for her bold appearance on the small screen. She had performed in the TV plays from the beginning of BTV. She was also a regular radio play artiste. Moreover she had also performed in some alternative films.

Najma was a grassroots actress, who played the role of the struggling woman in Kariman Bewa and Iblish. The former, based on the true story of a freedom fighter called Taramon Bibi, centred on the heroine. After her husband, a farmer, was killed in the Liberation War, she took up arms and became one of the few women freedom fighters of Bangladesh. This TV play won Najma the Bangladesh Chalachitra Shangbadik Samity (BACHSAS) award.

In the latter stage play, Iblish, Najma again portrayed the struggle of a woman called Atoshi. Despite being thrown out by her tyrannical husband, the character persevered and eked out a living as a domestic help. Najma summed it up aptly: ' I am struggling, so are you. Only the form of struggle is different.'

The Culture Desk of The Daily Star mourns the untimely demise of this brilliant theatre activist.