Actor Sadek Bachchu, who left a lasting mark on Bangladeshi entertainment through a career spanning five decades, is being remembered today on his sixth death anniversary.
Bachchu worked across stage, radio and television before establishing himself in Dhallywood.
He gained widespread popularity in the 1990s after playing a villain in Ehtesham’s Chadni. The success led directors to cast him mainly in negative roles, and he eventually became one of the country’s best-known villain actors.
However, Bachchu often regretted being typecast. At the same time, he said the love of audiences helped ease that disappointment.
His performances were so convincing that some viewers would mistake him for the characters he played.
He once recalled a particularly difficult experience after portraying a razakar in a television serial.
In one scene, his character killed a man by repeatedly stabbing him.
The episode created such a strong reaction that when Bachchu travelled by train to Jamalpur to bring his sister home, some people recognised him at the station and threw peanut shells and stones at him.
He later had to explain that it was only acting.
Bachchu made his film debut with Ramer Sumati, playing a supporting hero. He later appeared in several films as a villain, including Chadni, which brought him greater recognition.
Born Mahbub Ahmed in Chandpur on 1 January, 1955, Bachchu joined the Bangladesh Postal Department at the age of 15 in 1970.
His father was a senior postal official, and Bachchu received the job after his father’s death. He retired from the service in 2013.
After retirement, he became frustrated with the limited opportunities available to experienced actors.
He said he did not deliberately reduce his acting work but often failed to receive suitable roles or stories.
Bachchu also criticised the industry for sidelining senior artistes. He believed experienced actors could enrich younger generations, while younger performers could bring modern ideas to their seniors.
His notable films include Judge Barrister Police Commissioner, Jibon Nodir Tire, Jor Kore Bhalobasha Hoy Na, Tomar Majhe Ami, Dhaka to Bombay, Bhalobasha Zindabad, Ek Jaban, Amar Swapno Amar Songsar, Mon Bose Na Porar Tebile, Badhuboron, Moydan, Amar Praner Swami, Anondo Osru, Priyojon and Sujon Sokhi.
Sadek Bachchu died on 14 September, 2020, after contracting Covid-19.
