Today (Friday, July 30) marks the 68th birthday of Dhallywood beauty queen Farida Akhtar Poppy, commonly known by her stage name Babita. Her career was at its peak during the 70’s and she was best known for her role in the 1973 film ‘Ashani Sanket’ (‘Distant Thunder’), directed by Oscar-winning Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
The nine times Bangladesh National Film Awards-winning actor told the press that she is currently in Canada with her son Onik and not having a birthday celebration in this global pandemic situation.
Babita’s father Nizamuddin Ataur was a government officer and mother Jahan Ara Begum was a doctor. Her childhood was spent in Bagerhat due to their father's job. Her two sisters Shuchanda and Champa are also renowned film actors. Babita’s elder brother Shahidul Islam is an Electrical Engineer, another brother Iqbal Islam is a Pilot officer and younger brother Ferdous Islam is currently living in the United States.
Babita's husband died when their son Onik was three years old.
Babita's brother-in-law Zahir Raihan first cast her for his movie ‘Jaltey Suraj Ka Nichey.’ The film was not completed in the end but she found a breakthrough into the Dhaka film industry. Her first released feature was ‘Shesh Porjonto.’
Babita and Zafar Iqbal | Photo: IMDb
Babita recently told a Bangladeshi media outlet that she had a romantic interest with legendary Bangladeshi film actor Zafar Iqbal. He co-starred with Bobita in more than 30 films most of them were blockbuster hits during the 70’s. Yet, Iqbal was happily married to Sonia and died of liver failure in 1991.
Babita's notable work includes ‘Shukhe Thako,’ ‘Taka Anna Pai,’ ‘Shorolipi,’ ‘Manusher Mon,’ ‘Pich Dhala Path,’ ‘Noyon Moni,’ ‘Jonmo Theke Jolchi’ and ‘Anarkoli.’
Babita in a scene from the film 'Ashani Sanket' (1973) | Photo: IMDb
Ray cast Babita in the film ‘Ashani Sanket’ about the Bengal famine of 1943. Babita appeared in the lead role of Ananga, the demure wife of the village doctor Gangacharan, who was played by long-time Ray favourite Soumitra Chatterjee. The film won the Golden Bear prize at the 23rd Berlin International Film Festival in 1973.
Babita in a scene from the film 'Ashani Sanket' (1973) | Photo: IMDb
Dhallywood superstar took to his verified Facebook page today and wished the legendary actor a very happy birthday. He also demanded that a biopic should be produced on Babita’s career.
Babita starred in more than 350 films in her glorious career.
