Veteran film actor and fight director Siraj Uddin Ratan, who began his career as a child artiste with the film Noyi Jindegi, is currently undergoing treatment after suffering a heart attack.
The actor, who has appeared in nearly 400 films, revealed that actress Rumana Islam Mukti has taken full responsibility for his medical expenses.
Ratan confirmed that he suffered a heart attack on 22 July and is currently recovering.
He said that while many people from the film industry did not reach out during his difficult time, actresses Ranjita and Mukti have regularly checked on his condition.
“By the grace of Allah, I am feeling slightly better than before. Actress Mukti has stood beside me like a shadow during this difficult time. She is regularly keeping track of my health and bearing the full cost of my treatment,” Ratan said.
He also expressed gratitude towards Ranjita for staying in touch and checking on him despite being unable to provide financial assistance.
“However, after hearing about my illness, no one else from the film industry contacted me. I have worked in around 400 films and worked with so many people throughout my long career, yet no one even asked how I was. Except for a handful of people, most of the industry is selfish. It hurts to say these words today,” he added.
Praising Mukti’s humanitarian efforts, Ratan said, “Mukti is someone whose kindness deserves appreciation. She always stands beside artists in times of crisis. She has not only taken responsibility for my treatment but also regularly checks on me. Her mother, actress Anwara Apa, was also known for doing the same.”
A few days ago, Ratan was admitted to a hospital after experiencing severe chest pain.
Doctors confirmed that he had suffered a massive heart attack and required advanced medical care.
Like many behind-the-scenes workers in the film industry, Ratan has faced financial uncertainty despite his decades-long contribution to cinema.
The rising hospital bills, ICU expenses and medication costs created a difficult situation for his family. At that point, Mukti stepped forward to support him.
Rumana Islam Mukti, a popular actress of the 1990s, has long been involved in humanitarian activities for struggling members of the film industry.
She has supported colleagues during various crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, floods, winter hardships and other emergencies.
Speaking about taking responsibility for Ratan’s treatment, Mukti said, “Our lives are not only for ourselves. We also have responsibilities towards the people around us. I believe the abilities given to us by the Almighty are not only meant for our own comfort but also to help others in times of need.”
She added, “The film industry is my family. Hundreds of people work behind the camera to make a film successful. When any colleague, including Fighter Ratan Mama, faces a crisis, I consider it my responsibility to stand beside them. It is not charity or sympathy; it is the duty of one family member towards another.”
Mukti further said that helping people in distress has always been important to her.
“I believe being a good human being is more important than simply being known as an artiste. Whatever position I have achieved today is because of the love and support of ordinary people and everyone in my industry. Therefore, standing beside people in difficult times is my moral responsibility,” she said.
Known in the industry as “Fighter Ratan”, Siraj Uddin Ratan has worked both as an actor and a fight director.
His action sequences behind the scenes helped create some of the most thrilling moments in Bangladeshi cinema.
Some of his notable films include Chor, Dapot, Norom Gorom, Aposh, Bidhata, Anjuman, Shondhi, Morjina, Garments Shromik Zindabad, Ami Don, Raj Kopal and Alta Banu.
