Farida Akhtar Babita

Babita attended Dawood Public School in Jessore during her early years. She left formal education to pursue her acting career full-time after achieving commercial success in the late 1960s.

Babita made her initial foray into the world of acting as a child artist in the 1968 film 'Songsar', directed by Zahir Raihan. In this debut role, she played the on-screen daughter of the legendary actor Razzak and her real-life elder sister, Shuchanda. Initially acting under the name Subarna, her early experiences on set helped her understand the nuances of cinematic storytelling. This foundational period laid the groundwork for a transition to lead roles as she matured.

Her breakthrough as a leading lady occurred in 1969 with the release of Zahir Raihan's 'Jalte Suraj Ki Niche'. It was during this pivotal project that she adopted the screen name Babita, which would soon become synonymous with box office success. Despite the personal tragedy of losing her mother on the day of the film's release, her professional commitment shone through. Throughout the 1970s, she solidified her reputation as the premier actress of the decade, delivering hit after hit.

The turning point in her international career came when the legendary Indian director Satyajit Ray cast her in his 1973 masterpiece, 'Ashani Sanket' (Distant Thunder). Playing the crucial role of Ananga, she portrayed the quiet resilience of a village woman during the harrowing Bengal famine of 1943. Her performance earned her widespread critical acclaim, and the film went on to win the prestigious Golden Bear prize at the Berlin Film Festival.

Following her international success, Babita continued to dominate the Bangladeshi film industry with memorable performances in classics like 'Golapi Ekhon Trainey', 'Noyon Moni', and 'Dhire Bohe Meghna'. She frequently collaborated with top-tier actors such as Faruk, Zafar Iqbal, and Bulbul Ahmed, creating iconic on-screen pairings. Her ability to seamlessly transition between commercial entertainers and parallel cinema highlighted her extraordinary range as an actress.

In her later career, Babita expanded her horizons by transitioning into film production, launching her own banner, Babita Movies. She produced several successful projects, including 'Ful Shojja' and international joint ventures. Even as she took on senior character roles, such as her National Award-winning turn in the 2002 biopic 'Hason Raja', she remained a vital and respected figure in the industry, culminating in her 2026 Ekushey Padak honor.

Babita was born into an educated family with deep roots in Jessore, Bangladesh, where she grew up alongside her sisters, Shuchanda and Champa, who also became renowned film actresses. The creative environment at home fostered a strong bond among the siblings, and they supported each other's artistic pursuits. Despite the glitz and glamour of her profession, Babita has always maintained a grounded and private lifestyle.

She married Iftekharul Alam, a prominent businessman, and together they welcomed a son named Anik. Tragically, her husband passed away when their son was only three years old, leaving Babita to raise him as a single mother. She chose not to remarry, focusing her energy on her child's upbringing and her demanding cinematic career. Her dedication to her family has been a central pillar of her life.

Beyond her acting career, Babita is a passionate philanthropist and social activist. She has campaigned actively against acid violence and strongly supported national immunization drives for children in Bangladesh. Since 2011, she has served as a goodwill ambassador for Distressed Children & Infants International, dedicating her time and resources to improving the lives of underprivileged youth.