In a troubling incident on Friday night, Bangladeshi actress and model Raj Ripa was left distressed after her mobile phone, gifted by director Iftekhar Chowdhury, was stolen in Dhaka’s Banglamotor area. The phone, a token of appreciation for her performance in the director’s 2021 film Mukto, was of immense sentimental value to the actress.
Raj Ripa, once a member of the national badminton team and a champion in Khulna division, has since built a career in the film industry. She made her debut in a minor role in the movie Dohon and later appeared in Mukto, where her action sequences were performed without the aid of a stunt double. Impressed by her commitment and skill, director Chowdhury presented her with a mobile phone as a gesture of admiration.
“The phone is far more than just a device to me,” Raj explained. “It embodies memories from the filming of Mukto. I performed the action scenes myself, which the director appreciated greatly, and he gifted me this phone. Although I have had the opportunity to use other phones, this one was always special to me. Losing it has left me extremely upset.”
The theft occurred while Raj was travelling from Banani to Purani Hotel to attend an event. Owing to a faulty car air conditioner, she had kept the window slightly open. While engaged in a phone conversation, a thief seized the opportunity, snatched the phone within seconds, and fled. Despite her efforts to alert bystanders, no one could intervene.
Following the incident, Raj filed a general diary at Hatirjheel Police Station, holding hope that her phone might be recovered. Raj’s last known film appearance was in Moyna, and while there have been rumours about her involvement in multiple upcoming projects, no official confirmations have been made.
This incident highlights broader concerns regarding urban safety and the vulnerability of public figures in busy city areas. For Raj Ripa, it represents not only a financial loss but the disappearance of a meaningful memento, a symbol of her dedication and early struggles in cinema. Her experience serves as a reminder of how personal items can carry profound emotional significance, particularly when tied to professional milestones. The loss underscores the need for both awareness and protective measures in everyday life, particularly for those whose public and personal lives often intersect.