A Peek Into The Clouds
Anwar Hossain A lifetime of brilliant films
Veteran actor Anwar Hossain has played a myriad of character in his illustrious career, be it of a nawab, hero, rebellious youth, father and whatnot. But it was the title role in “Nawab Sirajuddula” — directed by the noted actor, director, Khan Ataur Rahman aka Khan Ata — he obtained the audience’s heart and accessibility to all. After the release of the film in 1967, people started calling him Nawab. The talented actor was born on December 6, 1931 in Jamalpur, as the third child of Nazir Hossain and Shadiya Khatun. His first footing on acting was in school life. After school life, he came to Mymensingh town to get admission at college, at a time when the town was known for its vibrant cultural atmosphere. In his college life, Anwar Hossain participated in a number of theatre productions staged in Mymensingh. With help from reputed dramatist Ashkar Ibne Shaik, Anwar Hossain played a lead role in a drama named “Padkkhep” that helped him find his place in the spectator’s mind in Mymensingh.
But Anwar Hossain chose to chase bigger dreams, and came to Dhaka to embark on a journey in cinema, just as the first feature film “Mukh O Mukhosh” was released in our country.
In 1961, he played a role of a villain in “Tomar Amar”, a film on the labour demonstration directed by late director Mohiuddin and written by Syed Shamsul Haque.
After that, directors and producers began to select him due to his powerful acting, and he spent busy time on the silver screen, namely “Shurjoshnan”, “Khacher Dewal”, “Dui Diganta”, “Raja Elo Shoharey”, “Godhulir Prem” and so on.
Beside Bangla, Anwar Hossain also acted in Urdu films. His most noticeable works on Urdu films are “Nachghor”, “Bahana” and “Ujala”, and prospered there too.
The year 1965 was the most memorable in his career, as his film “Rupban” was released. “Rupban” introduced him in a new avatar before the spectator, and it was “Rupban” that redefined his popularity.
In 1967, the evergreen film “Nawab Sirajuddula” was released that made him the talk of the town. After that, he acted in “Etotuku Asha” directed by Narayan Ghosh Mita. Almost simultaneously, he worked in “Shat Bhai Chompa” directed by Khan Ata. Some of his other remarkable pre-independence works include “Neel Akash-er Niche”, “Ka-Kha-Ga-Gha-Uma”, “Ghurnijhor” and “Sharlipi” etc.
Anwar Hossain also played the lead character in the famous film “Jibon Theke Neya” directed by the great Zahir Raihan. In it, Anwar Hossain superbly portrayed the character of a political leader.
In post-liberation Bangladesh, Anwar Hossain delivered a number of memorable performances, including “Joy Bangla”, “Nijere Haraye Khuji”, “Lalon Fokir”, “Orunodoyer Ognishakkhi”, “Alo Tumi Aleya”, “Golapi Ekhon Train-e”, “Devdas”, “Rajlokkhi Shrikanto” and “Dayi Ke”. His last work in our film industry was “Ghani”.
Anwar Hossain 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. He once again was awarded the National Film Award for the film “Dayi Ke” and was awarded BACHSAS Award.
Last year, the prominent actor was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award in National Film Award for his vital role in our film industry.
-With The Daily Star input
