The Covid-19 pandemic has affected millions worldwide, including in Bangladesh. And celebrities are no exception. While some have recovered, many others have succumbed to the virus.
The latest celebrity to lose the battle to coronavirus is veteran actress and former Awami League MP Sarah Begum Kabori.
She was 70.
The popular actress passed away at 12.20am at Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Institute and Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday, her son Shaker Chishti told reporters. She was on life support at the hospital since April 15.
Kabori had recently tested positive for Covid-19. Initially, she was admitted to the capital's Kurmitola General Hospital but was later shifted to Sheikh Russel National Gastroliver Institute & Hospital after her condition deteriorated.
Also read: Now Kabori taken away by Covid-19
The veteran actress, who received the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in the film Sareng Bou (1978), stepped into the field of cinema as an amateur artiste at the age of 13.
In 1964, Kabori made her debut with Subhash Dutta's film Sutorang. During her chequered career, she worked with several actors, including Farooque, Bulbul Ahmed, Razzak, Alamgir, Sohel Rana, Ujjal, Wasim, Khan Ataur Rahman, Golam Mustafa, Anwar Hossain and ATM Shamsuzzaman.
She also acted in Titash Ekti Nadir Naam directed by Ritwik Ghatak, an Indian filmmaker, and appeared in Urdu film Bahana made by Zahir Raihan.
Noted Works of Kabori
Apart from Sutorang and Bahana, she acted in many popular films -- Jolchhobi, Sat Bhai Champa, Abirbhab, Deep Nebhe Nai, Apon Por, Lalon Fokir, Titash Ekti Nadir Naam, Sujon Sokhi, Nil Akasher Niche, Sareng Bou, Kanch Kata Heera, Arun Borun Kiranmala, Devdas and Dui Jibon to name a few.
Awards
In her life term she received many awards, including Bachsas Award for Best Actress for her performances in Dui Jibon, Lalon Fakir, Sujon Sokhi and Sareng Bou. She also got Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
Politics
In 2008, Kabori was elected as a member of parliament from Narayanganj-4 constituency on an Awami League ticket.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday expressed deep shock and sorrow at her demise. "Her contribution to politics and the cultural arena besides film will be remembered,” she said in a condolence message.
Also read: PM shocked at Kabori's death
The PM also prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.