Nayak Raj Razzak was not just a superstar; he was an institution. Crowned with the title “Raj”, he played a pivotal role in enriching the film industry, leaving behind a legacy that spans romance, social drama and action films alike. 

Decades later, his performances continue to touch audiences, while the songs from his films still linger on people’s lips.

Today (January 23) marks the birth anniversary of Nayak Raj Razzak. On this occasion, The Daily Star spoke to three leading actresses—Babita, Suchanda and Rozina—who once shared the screen with him and witnessed his brilliance up close.

“Nayak Raj Razzak was one of a kind,” says Babita. “His contribution must be acknowledged. His name will shine forever in the history of our cinema.”

According to her, Razzak devoted his entire life to film. “In his thoughts, his dreams, his meditation—there was only cinema. His love for films was intense and unwavering. He spent his whole life doing this work.”

Babita shared the screens with Razzak in numerous films, many of which went on to become massive hits. “He worked with many heroines, but our pairing was also hugely popular,” she recalls. “While working together, we became like members of the same family. I was always invited to his family events. I saw him as a guardian—he cared deeply, like an elder brother.”

As an actor, Babita believes words fall short. “He was an evergreen hero. I still remember ‘Swaralipi’, the first film where we were paired together.”

Audiences first saw Suchanda and Razzak together on the silver screen in “Behula”. “The film was well received, and that’s how the Suchanda–Razzak pairing was born,” she says. “We went on to do many films together, and many of them were commercially successful.”

She fondly recalls how songs from those films still resonate with audiences today. “We were paired again in ‘Anwara’. There are countless memories like ‘Moner Moto Bou’, ‘Jibon Theke Neya’, and many more.”

Speaking of “Jibon Theke Neya”, Suchanda becomes nostalgic. “I can never forget the experience of shooting that film. 

She adds, “He delivered dialogues so beautifully. In front of the camera, he became someone else altogether. The camera could completely transform him. He approached acting with complete dedication—and that is why success followed him so naturally. Above all, Razzak was a man with a good heart.”

To Rozina, Nayak Raj Razzak was far more than a hero. “He was also a guardian,” she says. “I will remember him for as long as I live.”

Her first film with Razzak was “Ayna”, directed by Mohsin. “The shooting took place at BFDC. I still remember my very first day on set,” she recalls. “When I went to shoot with Razzak bhai, I became terribly nervous—my hands and feet started trembling.”

Razzak noticed immediately. “He stopped the shooting and spoke to me, making me feel comfortable. That support, especially for a new heroine, encouraged me immensely. I’ve carried that memory all my life. After that, I could shoot comfortably—there was no fear left.”

Rozina describes him as generous in spirit. “He didn’t want to rise alone; he wanted to move forward with everyone. After ‘Ayna’, we worked together on so many films. He always treated me with the affection and support of an elder brother.”

“As an actor, he was incomparable,” she concludes. “Truly unmatched. He really was Nayak Raj.”

On his birth anniversary, these memories remind us why Razzak remains timeless—an actor whose art, humanity and devotion to cinema continue to inspire generations.