Sarah Begum Kabori, whose radiant smile captivated generations of audiences, lives on in the hearts of Bengalis. Friday (April 17) marks five years since the Bangladeshi film industry lost its beloved ‘Misti Meye’.
The iconic actress passed away on this day in 2021 at the age of 70, after contracting COVID-19. Though she is no longer physically present, her legacy endures through countless timeless films.
Kabori’s journey began in 1964 with Subhash Dutta’s ‘Sutorang’, where she transformed from schoolgirl Meena into the iconic Kabori. Over a remarkable 56-year career, she delivered classics such as ‘Sujon Sokhi’, ‘Sareng Bou’, ‘Moynamoti’, and ‘Titas Ekti Nadir Naam’. Beyond acting, she also made her mark as a director and politician. In 2006, she debuted as a filmmaker with ‘Ayna’.
Before her passing, Kabori had begun work on her second directorial venture, ‘Ei Tumi Shei Tumi’, funded by a government grant. Writing the story, screenplay, and dialogue herself, she also penned song lyrics for the first time in her life, with Sabina Yasmin providing music direction. The film features songs performed by Imran and Konal. It portrays two timelines: one set in the present and the other during the golden chapter of the 1971 Liberation War.
The film was nearing completion, with only two days of shooting remaining, when Kabori passed away. Following her death, her son Shaker Chishti took on the responsibility of completing the unfinished project, describing the process as a significant challenge. With dubbing and editing now complete, the film is fully ready for release and has recently been submitted to the censor board.
As for its release, Chishti said that the film will first be screened at international film festivals before arriving in Bangladeshi cinemas. Subtitling for international audiences is currently underway.
Starring Nishat Nawar, Salwa, and Raihan Riad, the film will offer audiences one final glimpse of Kabori’s creative brilliance, according to Chishti.
