When you become jobless, you feel you sinned before: Bapparaj

Actor Bapparaj has sparked fresh discussion with a pointed remark apparently referring to actress Sadika Parvin Popy’s recent comments about her past, acting career and religious practice.

The debate began after actor and presenter Shahriar Nazim Joy shared a photo card featuring a recent statement attributed to Popy on Monday (August 31).

In the statement, Popy said she wanted to spend the rest of her life seeking guidance from Allah and “wash away” the sins she had accumulated in her life.

Joy questioned the notion of treating acting as a sin, saying actresses Moushumi and Popy had expressed similar views and suggesting that Shabnur and Purnima could complete “a generation” if they made the same remarks.

He also asked whether fans who had followed and admired the actresses without understanding the alleged religious implications of their work had also committed sins, urging Popy to pray for her fans during worship.

Bapparaj then joined the discussion in the comments section, writing: “When you are earning, it doesn’t feel like a sin. Once you become jobless, you feel you sinned before. Worship is for all times, not just for the unemployed.”

Although his comment appeared in response to the discussion surrounding Popy, Bapparaj did not directly mention her name.

Popy had earlier hinted in a video message that she had stepped away from the entertainment industry and wanted to lead a quieter life focused on faith.

“I have moved away from everything. How long does a person live? For whatever time I have left, I want to live beautifully, be a little better, eat well and remember Allah,” she said.

Reflecting on her past, Popy also expressed regret over the criticism she faced while working for her family and said she wanted to leave behind what she described as her accumulated “sins”.

Popy entered the film industry in 1997 with Kuli and went on to build a successful career, earning the National Film Award and other recognition. She has, however, remained largely away from films and the media for several years.

Bapparaj’s latest remark has added a new dimension to the ongoing discussion over Popy’s comments and her decision to remain away from the spotlight.