Internationally renowned movie star Babita was honored with the Ekushey Padak on February 26, expressing immense joy and gratitude for receiving one of the highest civilian honors in the country.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Babita emotionally described her feelings while holding the prestigious medal. She expressed that the happiness she felt was indescribable and profound, surpassing any other accolades she had received throughout her illustrious acting career.
Reflecting on the significance of the Ekushey Padak, Babita emphasized that this honor stood out as the most significant in her life. She acknowledged the importance of receiving the award in February, adding a deeper layer of meaning to the recognition.
Paying tribute to the Language Martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Bangla language, Babita expressed her deepest respect and heartfelt prayers for their courage and dedication. She also honored the language soldiers who continue to uphold the language’s importance.
Reminiscing about her parents, Babita shared that receiving the medal made her think of them and how proud they would have been. She expressed a desire to have shared this honor with her parents first if they were alive.
Acknowledging the filmmakers who played a crucial role in her career, Babita remembered luminaries such as Satyajit Ray, Subhash Dutta, Khan Ataur Rahman, Narayan Ghosh Mita, and Amjad Hossain. She credited them for shaping her journey and expressed gratitude for their guidance and support.
Babita dedicated the Ekushey Padak to Zahir Raihan, highlighting his significant influence on her life and career. She reflected on her humble beginnings as a young girl walking to school, expressing gratitude to her parents, family, teachers, directors, producers, colleagues in the film industry, and journalists for their unwavering support.
Sharing a touching moment with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the ceremony, Babita mentioned how she reminisced about receiving the National Film Award from his father and now being honored with the Ekushey Padak from him. The exchange left both parties pleased and content with the shared history and recognition.
