Renowned actress Nuton has voiced her disappointment over what she perceives as the neglect of senior artistes in the Bangladeshi film industry, highlighting how many are overlooked while still alive.
Speaking at an iftar event organised by the Bangladesh Film Artistes Association (BFAA) last Friday, Nuton reflected on her long career and the lack of ongoing recognition. While meeting old colleagues brought her visible joy, she admitted feeling forgotten.
“I am still here, yet at times it feels as though I am not,” she said. “People invite me to events and ask how I am, but after that, contact disappears.”
Nuton also shared her personal grief following the death of her husband, filmmaker Ruhul Amin Babul, in December. She noted that few industry members reached out during his illness or after his passing.
“No one even called to ask how I was coping,” she said, describing the lack of support as a profound personal disappointment.
Reflecting on her 52-year career, Nuton questioned why recognition often comes only posthumously. “When we die, newspapers publish photographs and write about our achievements. Why can’t that happen while we are alive?” she asked.
Speaking about her late husband, a producer and director associated with the James Group, Nuton pointed out that his contributions to cinema were largely unacknowledged during his lifetime. Attendance at his funeral was limited, and few colleagues visited him during his illness.
Nuton urged the industry to honour artistes, directors and producers while they are still alive, rather than waiting until after their passing.
“When someone is alive, everyone calls them a friend. Once they are gone, hardly anyone remains,” she said.
