Peers and followers celebrated 80th birth anniversary of noted playwright-actor professor Momtazuddin Ahmed on Sunday at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. They greeted the Ekushey Padak winning playwright with flowers and recalled their memories with the seasoned dramatist. A cultural show that presented songs was also arranged by Momtazuddin Ahmed 80th Janmobarshiki Udzapan Parishad.A documentary, directed by Prabir Dutt, featuring Momtazuddin Ahmed’s life and work was also screened at the programme.
Noted Nazrul singer Ferdous Ara presented Nazrul songs while child artistes of dance organisation Spandan presented group dance renditions.
Momtazuddin Ahmed has written 25 plays for stage, radio and television and directed several of them. Most of his directions and writings were for his theatre troupe Theatre (Natok Sarani). Apart from plays, he has written several novels, research papers, essays, newspaper columns, screenplays and also textbooks for primary and secondary curriculum of the country. Ahmed received Bangla Academy Award in 1976 and Ekushey Padak in 1997. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy honored him as one of the outstanding playwrights in Bangladesh in 2008.
Cultural affairs minister Asaduzzaman Noor said, ‘All of us call him sir for his charismatic personality.’
Syed Shamsul Haque said that Momtazuddin Ahmed is an evergreen personality. ‘No matter how old he is, Momtazuddin Ahmed will always be a youth. A playwright like him is rare in the country,’ said Haque.
Seasoned thespian Ferdousi Majumdar, who used to work with Momtazuddin Ahmed in the same troupe said, ‘Once we had a little misunderstanding, but that is a past now. And I want to remain Momtazuddin Ahmed’s sister for whole life’.
International theatre institute honourary president Ramendu Majumdar shared stories of the playwright’s personal life with the audience, which made them burst out in laughter.
Noted actors, directors, playwrights, cultural personalities and journalists including Ataur Rahman, Liaquat Ali Lucky, Golam Kuddus, Keramot Moula, journalist Abed Khan, Afroza Banu, cultural secretary Ranajit Kumar Bishwas among others shared their memories at the programme.
Momtazuddin Ahmed, in his speech, thanked all his peers, followers and colleagues for organising such a beautiful programme. ‘I am speechless about the arrangement and love you people have given me,’ said Momtazuddin Ahmed.
He further said that he is proud to be born in Bangladesh and hoped that people would continue read his writings even after his death.
-With New Age input
