Actress Jharna Basak, better known by the stage name Shabnam, became a household name in Bangladeshi and Pakistani cinema in the 1960s by winning hearts with her performance in the hit song “Ami Rup Nogorer Rajkonna”. Born on August 17, 1946 in Dhaka, Shabnam has many successful projects to her credit, including ‘Rajdhanir Bukey’, ‘Kokhono Asheni’ and ‘Harano Din’.

Shabnam became a leading star for almost three decades after being introduced to the Pakistani film industry by actor Waheed Murad in 1968. She eventually won a record 13 Nigar Awards, the highest for an actress. After living in Pakistan for years, she returned to her native Bangladesh in the late 1990s.

Famous for her roles in Bangladeshi and Pakistani cinema, Shabnam left a lasting impact. One of her most iconic performances was in the film “Ammajan”, where she played the title role, thereby gaining widespread love and recognition. Reflecting on the legacy of this role, she shared, “Everywhere I go, people still call me Ammajan. When I go to the market, I hear: “Here is Ammajan! This makes me proud and honored. »

Shabnam cherishes this connection with the audience, especially as she continues to be the target of it. “This is the greatest reward of my career. Whether young or old, everyone calls me ‘Ammajan’. They embrace me like one of their own. What more could I want? »

Despite her immense fame, the actress today leads a relatively quiet life, mainly at home. She still enjoys shopping and only ventures out for family events. She recalls her previous stay in Dhaka communicating, “We used to live in Hatkhola, but now we are in Baridhara. Whenever there is a family function, I make sure to attend it.”

Many of the films and songs she appeared in during the black and white era are still loved by fans today. “Even now, people sing the songs from my films, like ‘Tomare Legeche Eto Je Bhalo’ from the film ‘Rajdhanir Buke’. Sometimes I watch these projects myself on TV or YouTube. It feels good to see them watching and it brings back so many memories,” she expressed.

When asked about her thoughts on modern cinema, Shabnam mentioned that fans often express their preference for films from its era. “People come up to me and say, ‘The films from your era were much better. We still watch them.’ It makes me proud to know that I did a good job,” she said with a smile.

On her decision not to act again after ‘Ammajan’, she explained, “I haven’t found a script as impactful as ‘Ammajan’. After its release, it created so much noise – the audience loved it. I was then offered ‘Maayer Payer Niche Behest’, but it didn’t have the same appeal, so I turned it down. I am still waiting for a script that can match the legacy of ‘Ammajan’.

Although Shabnam has received many international honors, she has not received any major awards in her home country Bangladesh. When asked if this bothered her, she expressed some sadness. “It is not regret or dissatisfaction, but a feeling of disappointment. I could not do more for my own country. I am Bangladeshi, after all. I have represented Bangladesh abroad and I brought respect to my country.”

“After ‘Ammajan’, my name was on the shortlist for a grand prize. But then it was withdrawn and I know who did it. I didn’t say anything at that time; I let care to the Almighty But when I heard that my name was cut off, it hurt me,” she further revealed.

Nonetheless, Shabnam remains grateful for the love from her fans. “I have always had the love of people, and that is the greatest reward. As long as they continue to love me, I will continue. Nothing else matters. I truly believe in it : the love of people is the greatest reward of all.