Renowned as one of the brightest stars of Bangladeshi cinema, a valiant freedom fighter, and a man of multifaceted talent, Sohel Rana today celebrates his 79th birthday. Born Masud Parvez on 21 February 1947 in Dhaka, his life has been a remarkable fusion of art, courage, and vision—qualities that have rendered him a living legend in the cultural and national history of Bangladesh.
Freedom Struggle and Cinematic Journey
During the turbulent period of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, Sohel Rana took up arms to defend his country. Following independence, he channelled the same patriotism into his cinematic career. His production of the liberation-themed film Ora 11 Jon remains a seminal work, widely recognised for its historical significance.
In 1973, he achieved widespread popularity through the film Masud Rana, based on the celebrated literary character created by legendary writer Kazi Anwar Hossain. The character of Masud Rana—a daring, thrill-seeking, and confident hero—resonated so strongly with audiences that the name became almost synonymous with Rana himself.
Sohel Rana’s contributions were not limited to acting alone. He also left an indelible mark as a producer and director. A notable example is Epar Opar, where he introduced Kolkata actress Soma Mukherjee as the leading lady, an initiative regarded at the time as bold and unprecedented in Bangladeshi cinema.
Notable Films and Achievements
Over his extensive career, Sohel Rana has appeared in numerous significant films, earning critical acclaim and public admiration. The table below highlights key works and milestones:
| Film Title | Role/Contribution | Notable Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Ora 11 Jon | Producer | Liberation-themed historical film |
| Masud Rana | Lead Actor | Iconic and widely popular character |
| Epar Opar | Producer/Director | Introduced new talent from Kolkata |
| Gopon Kotha, Dost Dushman | Actor | Acclaimed performances |
| Mintu Amar Naam | Actor | Critical praise |
| Jibon Nouka, Rajrani | Actor | Three-time National Film Award winner |
Rana has been honoured with the National Film Award three times, cementing his legacy as one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated actors.
Political Engagement and Personal Life
During his student years, he was an active student leader associated with the Chhatra League. Later, he entered national politics, joining the Jatiya Party in 2009 as a presidium member and serving as an election advisor to Hussain Muhammad Ershad.
In his personal life, Sohel Rana married Dr. Zinat in 1990. The couple has a son, Mashrur Parvez Jibras. His life continues to inspire, embodying a rare blend of artistic brilliance, patriotism, and unwavering character.
On this special day, we wish Sohel Rana good health, long life, and continued prosperity. May this living legend of Bangladeshi cinema remain with us for many more years, illuminating the industry and society with his experience, wisdom, and spirit.