Legendary actor Nayakraj Razzak enriched the Dhallywood industry with his acting throughout his long career. He also guided several generations of artistes like a guardian, and many who had the opportunity to work with him continue to express their gratitude.
Among them is acclaimed singer Rumana Morshed Kanak Chapa. Razzak had a particular fondness for her voice, and she sang in every film he produced.
Kanak Chapa recently recalled her first meeting with the legendary actor. On Wednesday, 16 September, she shared the memory in a Facebook post.
She said they first met at an event in 1986. After learning her name, Razzak asked, “How can such a little girl sing so well? Have you sung in films?”
“I was speechless. How could I have answered? I was stunned to see the great actor in front of me,” she wrote.
They met again during a playback recording. Razzak told her, “I knew this was your place. Make it yours. My blessings.”
Kanak Chapa said she continued to sing in all the films Razzak produced after that.
She recalled that he affectionately called her ‘Kanachhapa’ and referred to her husband as ‘Jamai beta’, treating them like his own daughter and son-in-law.
“Sometimes I thought, if only I had got Razzak-Kabori during my time!” she said. Razzak replied, “Ah! If only we had got you in our time!”
When she touched his feet to offer her respects, he jokingly said, “This girl is crazy!” Kanak Chapa said she was amazed by how simple and approachable such a great personality was.
She also remembered how Razzak would make sure everyone ate together during recording sessions. Even when she said she did not eat rice during recordings, he would ask someone to bring her kebab.
According to Kanak Chapa, Razzak always moved around with his family. She said his children had grown up with the values and manners he taught them, something that was evident without much thought.
She recalled that the Razzak she had known in her childhood had become more mature by then. He had grown more dignified and quiet, while retaining his handsome appearance.
“Even at that age, whenever he smiled, I could understand why that smile had taken him so close to becoming a maharaja,” she wrote.
Remembering his contribution to Bangladeshi cinema, Kanak Chapa said, “No one who speaks Bangla will ever forget his effortless and timeless acting. It goes without saying.”
She added, “I do not have the courage to speak about his talent and contribution. But I understand this much—the strength of Bangladesh’s cinema relied on him to stand on its feet. He gave everything he had to Bangladesh.”
“Wherever you are, Nayakraj, may you be well. May Allah grant you peace,” she wrote.
