Actress and model Raj Ripa, a former national badminton player, became the victim of a theft in Dhaka’s Banglamotor area last Friday evening. The stolen item was not just any mobile phone; it was a gift from director Iftekhar Chowdhury, given to her in appreciation of her performance during the filming of his movie Mukto in late 2021.
Raj Ripa, who previously represented the national badminton team and had been a champion in the Khulna division, transitioned from sports to the film industry. She appeared in a minor role in the film Dohon before taking on a part in Mukto. During the shoot, Chowdhury expressed his satisfaction with her acting by gifting her a mobile phone. For Raj, the phone was more than a device; it symbolised a significant moment in her career and held sentimental value.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday evening, Raj described her deep disappointment following the theft. “This phone isn’t just a gadget to me,” she said. “It’s emotionally significant because I performed stunts in Mukto without a double, and the director was very pleased with my performance. He gave me the phone as a gift, and even though I later used other phones, this one remained special. Losing it has left me truly upset, as it carries countless memories.”
The theft occurred while Raj was travelling from Banani to the Purani Hotel to attend an event. Due to a malfunctioning air conditioner, she had left the car window slightly open. While speaking on the phone, a thief snatched it in seconds and fled the scene. Despite raising an alarm, no one was able to catch the perpetrator.
Raj has since filed a general diary with the Hatirjheel Police Station, hoping that the stolen phone may eventually be recovered. Her recent work includes the film Moyna, and although discussions about her participation in several upcoming projects have circulated, none have been officially confirmed.
Experts suggest that incidents such as these underscore the need for heightened vigilance in urban areas, particularly for public figures carrying valuable items. For Raj Ripa, the theft represents not merely a financial loss but also the disappearance of a personal memento tied closely to her professional journey and emotional experiences in the film industry.
