Sohel Rana: Celebrating a Living Legend

Today marks the 79th birthday of Sohel Rana, a luminous star of Bangladeshi cinema, a valiant freedom fighter, and a man of remarkable versatility. Born Masud Parvez on 21 February 1947 in Dhaka, his life has been a remarkable tapestry of art, courage, and dreams—a living chronicle of the nation’s modern history.

During the turbulent days of the Bangladesh Liberation War, Sohel Rana took up arms and fought bravely for his country’s independence. After the war, he carried the same spirit into the world of film, producing works that both reflected and celebrated the nation’s struggles. His landmark production, the war-themed film Ora 11 Jon (Those 11 People), remains a testament to his commitment to history and storytelling.

Rana’s acting career soared to fame in 1973 when he portrayed the popular literary character Masud Rana, created by legendary novelist Kazi Anwar Hossain, on the big screen. The role immortalised his persona as a daring, thrill-seeking, and self-assured hero, with the character’s name becoming almost synonymous with his own identity.

Beyond acting, Sohel Rana made his mark as a producer and director. Notably, in Epar Opar, he cast the Indian actress Soma Mukherjee as the heroine—a bold and unconventional choice at the time that demonstrated his flair for pioneering cinematic ventures.

Over a prolific career, Sohel Rana has appeared in numerous iconic films, including:

Throughout his illustrious journey, he has been honoured three times with the National Film Award, recognising his indelible impact on Bangladeshi cinema.

In addition to his artistic accomplishments, Sohel Rana has been deeply involved in politics. A dynamic student leader in his youth, he engaged with the Bangladesh Chhatra League and later played an active role in national politics. In 2009, he joined the Jatiya Party, serving as a presidium member and as an electoral advisor to former President Hussain Muhammad Ershad.

On the personal front, he married Dr. Zinat in 1990, and they have one son, Mashrur Parvez Jibras. Even today, Sohel Rana remains a symbol of patriotism, resilience, and artistic brilliance, inspiring generations with his life story.

On this special day, we wish him continued health, longevity, and happiness. May this living legend of Bangladeshi cinema continue to illuminate our lives with his wisdom, experience, and enduring spirit for many more years to come.