Renowned actress Babita recounts her journey in cinema and life
International acclaimed actress Babita, celebrated for her role in Satyajit Ray's 'Ashani Sanket', shared her life experiences, from childhood to her film career, in an interview for 'Krishno Cement Obhiggota Alo'. She was born in 1953 in Bagerhat to A.S.M. Nizamuddin Ataub, a government official, and Jahanara, a homeopathic doctor who studied at Lady Brabourne College in Kolkata. Babita reminisced about her father taking her to a historic Chinese restaurant in Kolkata, the first of its kind, where he and her mother used to dine and talk during their student days. Her mother, a culturally inclined woman, encouraged her and her siblings to develop unique talents beyond academics, including poetry, recitation, dance, and music, even hiring tutors for them. Babita recalled her sister, Suchanda, who was a fan of Suchitra Sen and used to practice acting in front of a mirror. Initially, Babita was hesitant about acting, finding it difficult and witnessing the hardships faced by actors like Suchanda. However, she eventually agreed to act at the request of her brother-in-law, Zahir Raihan, for a film where she played a young teenage girl. Although that film didn't perform well, Raihan recognized her potential. Subsequently, cameraman Afzal Chowdhury, impressed by her performance in a television drama, cast her in an Urdu film titled 'Jalte Suraj Ke Neeche', where she was given the screen name Babita. Her first Bengali film was 'Shesh Porjonto', released on August 14, 1969, opposite actor Razzak. She used her earnings from this film to buy a Toyota car to show her mother.
This interview offers a retrospective on the career of a prominent actress, highlighting the influence of family, education, and early exposure to the arts. It underscores the evolution of the film industry, from the personal encouragement of family members and directors to the professionalization of casting and naming conventions. The narrative also implicitly touches upon the societal expectations and opportunities for women in education and creative fields during the mid-20th century in South Asia. The actress's initial reluctance and eventual embrace of a film career, driven by familial influence and professional opportunity, illustrate the complex interplay of personal agency and external factors in shaping one's path. The mention of her earnings and subsequent purchase of a car signifies a tangible measure of professional success and independence.
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