Musammat Hosne Ara Sharifa Begum

Musammat Hosne Ara Sharifa Begum passed her Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination from Natore Girls' School in the late 1940s.

She later completed her Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) from Rajshahi College and was admitted into the Bachelor of Arts (BA) program before fully committing to her cinematic career.

Sultana Zaman made her historic debut in the film industry in 1959 with the Bengali feature "Matir Pahar." Produced by S.M. Parvez and directed by Mohiuddin, the film marked her as one of the earliest Muslim women to step into acting in the region. Her initial foray into cinema was met with both curiosity and admiration, as she brought a much-needed sophisticated presence to the silver screen. She received early recognition, winning a Chitrakash Award for her inaugural performance.

In the early 1960s, she solidified her status as a leading star through a series of highly successful films. She delivered remarkable performances in movies like "Sonar Kajal" (1962), co-directed by Kalim Sharafi and Zahir Raihan, and "Chanda" (1962), directed by Ehtesham. It was during the production of the 1964 film "Anek Diner Chena," directed by Khan Ataur Rahman, that she officially adopted the stage name Sultana Zaman, leaving behind her birth name in professional circles.

Her versatility extended beyond linguistic boundaries, as she prominently featured in several successful Urdu language films produced in East Pakistan. Movies such as "Ujala" (1966) and "Mere Arman Mere Sapne" (1969) expanded her popularity across the broader subcontinent. She was known for her exceptional ability to portray tragic, romantic, and deeply layered characters, earning the respect of top-tier directors and co-stars.

Sultana Zaman also demonstrated incredible entrepreneurial spirit by transitioning into film production. She successfully produced two notable films, "Bhanumati" (1969) and "Chhadmabeshi," showcasing her deep understanding of the cinematic business. Additionally, she maintained a strong presence in broadcasting, serving as a presenter for the popular radio program "Chhayachhanda" and acting in highly regarded radio dramas like "Kritodaser Hashi" and "Tajmahal."

In recognition of her lifetime of groundbreaking work, she received numerous prestigious accolades in her later years. In 2009, she became the first recipient of the Bangladesh National Film Award for Lifetime Achievement since the award's inception in 1975. A documentary detailing her extraordinary life and career was also produced by the Information Ministry, ensuring her immense contributions to Bangladeshi cinema will never be forgotten.

Musammat Hosne Ara Sharifa Begum was born into a distinguished family in Natore, where her father served as an officer for the local Zamindar. Growing up in a culturally vibrant environment, she developed an early appreciation for the arts, which eventually guided her path toward a groundbreaking career in cinema.

In 1956, she married Q.M. Zaman, a prominent cinematographer who served as the first chief cameraman of the Film Development Corporation. Their union was a powerful partnership of two cinematic pioneers, and they frequently collaborated to elevate the technical and artistic standards of early Bangladeshi films.

Throughout her life, Sultana Zaman remained deeply committed to her family and her craft, avoiding the typical scandals of stardom. She was known for her quiet philanthropy and her dedication to mentoring younger actresses entering the industry, leaving behind a legacy of grace and professionalism when she passed away in 2012.