Legendary film actor Anwar Hossain, popularly known as the ‘crownless emperor’ of the Bengali film industry, was laid to rest beside his mother’s grave at Mirpur Shaheed Buddhijibi Graveyard on Friday. Anwar Hossain, best known for his iconic role in ‘Nawab Sirajuddaula’, was suffering from various old-age complications and died in a city hospital in the early hours on Friday. He was 82 and survived by his wife, four sons and a daughter. The veteran artiste had acted in over 500 films. He received the National Film Awards for best actor for his brilliant work in the film ‘Lathiyal’, and again for ‘Golapi Ekhon Train-e’, as supporting actor. Last year, he was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award in National Film Award for his contribution to the film industry.
His first namaz-e-janaza was held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after Jumma prayers followed by the second namaz-e-janaza on the premises of his work place at Films Development Corporation.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages expressed their profound shock and sorrow at the demise of one of the most celebrated Bengali film actors. They prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
In his condolence message, the President said that Anwar Hossain was a versatile actor and popularly known as the ‘crownless emperor’ of the Bengali film industry. The death of the legendary actor and patriotic cultural activist is a great loss for the country’s film industry, the President said. In her message, the Prime Minister said Anwar Hossain was a versatile actor and an unparalleled figure in the Bengali film industry. “The country has lost one of the foremost actors, a cultural activist and a patriotic person. His death is a great loss to the country’s film industry and the nation as well,” Sheikh Hasina said.
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia expressed deep shock at the demise of legendary film actor and prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
In a condolence message, she said, “A pall of gloom descended on the whole country over the death of Anwar Hossain, a dexterous movie and stage performer.” Khaleda said the acting maestro will always remain alive in the hearts of people for his outstanding performances. “A legend in Bangla movie, Anwar Hossain was like a kinsman to the masses for his dazzling performance in Nawab Sirajuddaula,” she said.
The former PM said Anwar’s death would leave a vacuum in the field of acting which cannot be filled easily. “In personal life, Anwar Hossain was humble, liberal and generous,” she added.
In another message, BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed shock at the death of the versatile actor.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited the ailing actor at the city’s Square Hospital and gave a cheque of Tk10 lakh to his family members for his treatment.
Opposition Leader and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia also gave a cheque worth Taka one lakh for his treatment. Anwar Hossain, the superhero, was born in 1931 at Murulia village under Jamalpur district as the third child of Nazir Hossain and Shadiya Khatun. He passed matriculation from Jamalpur Zila High School in 1951. He developed a passion for acting right from his school life.
He played myriad characters— whether it is a Nawab, a hero, a rebellious youth or a father—during his illustrious career.
Hossain made his debut in ‘Tomar Amar’ in 1961 and two years later played the lead role in Salauddin’s ‘Shurjoshnan’.
The veteran actor won numeral awards during his long career, including the National Film Award for best actor for his brilliant work in ‘Lathiyal’ and ‘Ekushey Padak’ in 1985, for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.
He was awarded the National Film Award for the film ‘Dayi Ke’ and was awarded BACHSAS Award.
His performance in Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1967, directed by noted actor-director Khan Ataur Rahman aka Khan Ata, made him a household name. After the release of the film, he acquired the nickname of Nawab.
Apart from Bangla film, Anwar also acted in Urdu films. His most notable works in Urdu films are ‘Nachghor’, ‘Bahana’, and ‘Ujala’.
It was 1965 which was the most memorable year in his career as his film ‘Rupban’ redefined his popularity.
Anwar played the lead role in ‘Jibon Theke Neya’, directed by the great filmmaker Zahir Raihan. Anwar portrayed the character of a political leader brilliantly in the movie.
His last work was ‘Ghani’.
Among the numerous films he acted in are ‘Bishkanya’, ‘Shaheed Titumir’, ‘Binimoy’, ‘Nijere Haraye Khuji’, ‘Golapi Ekhon Dhakai’, ‘Lutera’, ‘Shimar’, ‘Bhat De’, ‘Pension’, ‘Talachabi’, ‘Matir Koley’, ‘Tufan Mail’ and ‘Marjada’.
-With The Independent input
