Bangladesh mourns the passing of one of its most iconic cinematic figures, Sumita Devi, whose life and work forged a path for women’s fearless presence on the silver screen. An acclaimed actress, pioneering producer, and valiant freedom fighter during the 1971 Liberation War, Sumita Devi embodied the spirit, dignity, and resilience of Bengali women throughout her life.
Born Hena Bhattacharya on 2 February 1936 in South Khalli village, Manikganj District, she hailed from a distinguished family. Her screen name, “Sumita,” was bestowed upon her by director Fateh Lohani during her debut in the film Asiya—a name that would later become inseparable from Bangladeshi cinema history.
In 1962, she married legendary filmmaker and writer Zahir Raihan, thereafter known as Nilufar Begum alias Sumita Devi, though professionally she remained recognised by her original stage name—a symbol of strength, brilliance, and respect.
Cinematic Journey
Sumita Devi emerged as a trailblazer in Dhaka’s 1960s film industry. Her career began with Asiya (1957) directed by Fateh Lohani, followed by Akash Ar Mati (1960). Asiya won the Best Bengali Film award in 1961, marking a significant milestone in her acting career.
Over nearly four decades, she played lead roles in over ten films and appeared as a supporting actress in more than a hundred productions, earning distinction for her restrained acting, profound expressions, and unwavering dedication to character authenticity.
She also broke cultural boundaries by acting in several Urdu films in East and West Pakistan, including Dhupchhao, a bold move for a Bengali actress at the time. Beyond cinema, she excelled in radio, television, and stage, and as a producer, she was behind five notable films: Agun Niye Khela, Momer Alo, Mayar Shongshar, Adorsho Chapakhana, and Notun Probhat.
Personal Life and Legacy
Her first marriage was to renowned Faridpur communist leader Atul Lahiri, with whom she had a son, Ma. Kallol Raihan, a former child actor. With Zahir Raihan, she had two sons: Bipul Raihan, a writer and theatre director, and Anol Raihan, a journalist and businessman who owns Tithi Door Coffee Shop & Restaurant in Mohammadpur, Dhaka.
During the 1971 Liberation War, Sumita Devi was a regular artist at the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, using art as a tool to inspire freedom fighters and the public alike, cementing her role as a cultural warrior.
Awards and Recognition
| Year | Award | Work / Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 1962 | All Pakistan Critics Award | Acting excellence |
| 1963 | Nigar Award | Outstanding performance |
| Post-1971 | BACHSAS Award | Contribution to Bangladeshi cinema |
| Post-1971 | TRAB Award | Excellence in television |
| 2002 | Agartala Freedom Fighter Award | Liberation War contribution |
| 2002 | Janakantha “Guni Jan & Protibha” Award | Lifetime achievement |
Sumita Devi passed away on 6 January 2004 and was laid to rest with state honours at Mirpur Shahid Buddhijibi Cemetery. Her life was more than that of an actress; she represented an era, a courageous journey, and the luminous artistic spirit of Bengali womanhood.
She remains an enduring symbol of courage, artistry, and the pioneering spirit that shaped Bangladesh’s cinematic and cultural landscape.