B’desh Television pays tributes to Zafar Iqbal

Desk Report: The programme, produced by Lutfur Rahaman Robin and hosted by Iqbal Khandakar brought to light some lesser known facts about Zafar Iqbal, who acted in 150 films during his acting career.
Zafar Iqbal, one of the most prominent actors in the history of the Bengali film industry, possesses a versatile career under his belt as a singer, guitarist and actor. This year marks the untimely demised actor’s 68th birth anniversary. He was born on September 25, 1950.
Before stepping into Dhallywood, a promising Zafar Iqbal wished to establish himself as a singer. He established a musical group in 1966. Observing his deep enthusiasm in music, Robin Ghosh, a prominent music director in the industry at the time, allowed him to play a few pieces of music in his film “Pitch Dhala Path.”
Since his teenage days, he had been a skilled guitarist.
As a singer, he play-backed for popular songs including “Hoy Jodi Bodnam,” “Sukhe Thako O Amar Nondini,” “Je Bhabey Bachi Beche To Achhi,” “Bidesh Theke Deshe Ele Bhai Bondhu Soboi Bole,” and others.
After some time, he was selected for a film “Aapon Por,” a directorial venture of Khan Ataur Rahman. In the first film, his performance opposite Kabori Sarwar was highly praised. He then went on to act in almost 150 Bangla films, some of them are– Surjo Grohon, Shontrash, Noyoner Alo, Mastan, Mama Bhagne, Ferari, Ek Mutho Bhat, Chorer Bou, Bhai Bondhu, Abujh Hridoy, Grihalaksmi, Ogo Bidesini and so on. His on-screen partnership with Babita, with whom he had appeared in over 30 films, is one of the most illustrious on-screen chemistries in the history of Dhakaiya films.
Motivated by the cause, he directly joined the Liberation War. His elder brother Anwar Pervez was a renowned music director and his younger sister Shanaz Rahmatullah is a favourite name for Bangali music lovers. Zafar was later married to Sonia.
Zafar Iqbal was suffering from mental depression during his last days, when his heart and kidney related diseases turned acute. At last, he died in 1991 leaving behind his two sons, thousands of fans and many eventful memories. Till this day, he stands out as a fashion icon to many.