If It Had Been Another Woman in My Place, She Would Have Considered Suicide

Dhaka cinema actress Raj Ripa, a prominent figure in contemporary Bangladeshi films, has often made headlines for various reasons. Recently, her film “Moyna” was released, but even before the release of another project, “Mukti”, she levelled explosive allegations against director Iftekhar Chowdhury.

Alongside her accusations, she also announced her withdrawal from the media and entertainment industry due to mounting frustration and emotional strain.

On Monday, Raj Ripa posted a detailed statement on her verified Facebook account, addressing multiple grievances against the director: “I will soon leave everyone behind. This industry is not meant for naive people like me. I have walked this path alone for seven years, seen all the good and the bad, and made my decisions. Alhamdulillah, I have been honest with everyone, never cheated anyone—but I have been cheated myself. I do not owe anyone a single penny, yet the director Iftekhar Chowdhury owes me some accounts. Perhaps he will settle the debt, or else he will forcefully remove me.”

She further revealed the mental anguish she endured over the past four years while working on “Mukti”, citing time and financial pressures: “If another woman had been in my place, she would not have survived without considering suicide. I have fallen into depression repeatedly but stood up alone with my mental strength. How long must I wait, how much patience should I maintain?”

Ripa criticised the director for not fulfilling his responsibilities:

• She explained that sourcing film sponsors is the director’s responsibility, not the actor’s, yet she had to try and repeatedly failed.
• The dream of becoming a leading actress was used by the director for his own benefit, without providing her any real support.
• In eight years, apart from “Mukti”, she had no other film project, and the director’s final work was merely hosting a beauty product event, which she had arranged herself.
• She highlighted that all film progress was stalled under the pretext of the director’s illness, which also affected her mental well-being.

Regarding threats on the set, she stated: “Whenever I tried to speak up against the director, he threatened me by saying that if the film’s hard disk were destroyed, I would have no recourse. This is a direct threat against me and my work.”

Raj Ripa concluded her post with a note on justice and personal resolve: “What can I do? From whom can I seek justice? In the end, Allah will judge, and I will leave the matter in His hands. Fortunately, I fulfilled some of my dreams on my own, but from today, no more. I will truly leave this city and do not wish to recognise anyone here. This industry is not meant for me. I am filled with anger, and if anyone is hurt by my words, I ask for forgiveness. I have buried my dreams myself. Many dreamers like me lose to deceit in this very manner.”

Raj Ripa’s post paints a harrowing picture of her struggles in Dhaka’s film industry, highlighting systemic issues that can affect aspiring actors. Her decision to leave the industry reflects both personal anguish and a protest against professional exploitation.