Nearly three decades after sharing the screen with legendary actress Shabnam, National Film Award-winning actress Shabnaz says the experience remains one of the defining moments of her career.
The two appeared together in Azizur Rahman’s Dil, released on 22 May 1992. Looking back in a recent interview, Shabnaz said working alongside one of the subcontinent’s most celebrated actresses taught her lessons that went far beyond acting.
In Dil, Naeem portrayed Shabnam’s son, Afsana Mimi played his sister, and Shabnaz starred as Naeem’s love interest. The film earned praise for its performances and songs and became a commercial success, fuelled by the popularity of the Naeem-Shabnaz pairing. It also remains the only film featuring both Shabnaz and Shabnam.
“Shabnam Apa is a living legend of our cinema and a pride of the subcontinent,” Shabnaz said. “Working with her taught me so much. Over the past three decades, I have received nothing but affection and love from her.”
She also expressed regret that Shabnam made no further Bangla films after Ammajan.
“Had her talent been used more, we would have received many more memorable films. Even so, classics such as Nacher Putul, Sandhi, Sahadharmini and Sharto remain etched in audiences’ hearts,” she said.
Shabnam, in turn, praised Shabnaz’s humility and warmth.
“Shabnaz is very dear to me. She is a wonderful person. Her manners, humility and respect have always touched me,” she said. “I pray she lives a happy life with her husband and two daughters. I have heard her younger daughter, Mahadia, is now married. I pray she remains happy.”
