Dhallywood mourns the death of eminent filmmaker Chashi Nazrul Islam, who died on Sunday morning after suffering from liver cancer and other complications at the age of 73. They observe that Chashi Nazrul Islam’s death is a great loss that can never be recovered. They opined that Ora Egaro Jon, the first film on the war of Independence made in 1972, is the greatest contribution of the Ekushey Padak winning filmmaker. The artistes also recalled the director as a person, friend and filmmaker. ‘He was like a family member to me, and also a very good friend. I will really miss his presence,’ told eminent actor Razzak to New Age. The actor also informed that he worked with Islam in several films including Bajimat, Chandranath and Shuvada.
Noted actor Babita has worked in several of Chashi Nazrul Islam’s films including Biraho Betha, Bhalo Manush, Behula Lokkhindar, Miya Bhai, Hason Raja and others. ‘His contribution towards the filmdom is immense, and as a man, he was always smiling, caring and very cooperative,’ shared Babita. Supplementing Babita, noted actor Sohel Rana said that people of Bangladesh will remember Islam for Ora Egaro Jon and many other films. ‘We have lost a really close friend. His death is an irreparable loss,‘ added Rana.
Noted director Kazi Hayat also talked about Chashi Nazrul Islam’s contributions. ‘Ora Egaro Jon was really successful also in terms of business. If the film had failed to do good business, it would have become difficult for other contemporary directors to make more films on war,’ said Hayat. ‘Besides, he was a methodical and skilled filmmaker,’ said Hayat.
Eminent director Shohanur Rahman Sohan also talked about Chashi Nazrul Islam as a filmmaker. He was like an encyclopedia of filmmaking and we used to seek suggestions from him whenever needed. We have lost a wise guardian with his death,’ said Sohan.
Noted actor Kabori, said, ‘A jovial man like him is rare to find. I went to see him few days ago when he was very sick but still he was so cheerful; actually he was a very strong man who could endure any pain and talk with a smile’.
Noted actor Faruk hailed Islam as a creative director. ‘Death of such a talented director is a great loss for our film industry,’ added Faruk.
Young actors like Shakib Khan, Riaz and Purnima also mourn the loss. ‘I have acted in two of his films—Shuva and Devdas; he was really affectionate of us,’ said Shakib Khan.
Purnima, who has worked with Chashi Nazrul Islam in few films including Megher Pore Megh and Shuva, said, ‘He was really caring and affectionate towards his actors.’
‘He knew how to bring out good acting form the artistes. He was also a man with a good heart,’ said Riaz, who has worked in Megher Porey Megh and Shasti with Chashi Nazrul Islam.
Born on October 23, 1941 at Shamashpur village in Sreepur thana of Munshiganj, Nazrul began his career in a radio in 1965. He directed and voiced many popular radio dramas, such as, Ramer Sumoti (1965), Socrates (1966) and Sokhina Birongona (1974). He started his career in visual media in 1964 with Bangladesh Television.
He worked as an assistant director of film Dui Digonto, directed by Obaidur Rahman. Later he assisted Fateh Lohani. He participated in the 1971 Liberation War. After independence, he made the first film on liberation war ‘Ora Egaro Jon’, known as his most famous work. He made a total of 22 films including Chandranath, Shuvoda, Hangor Nodi Grenade, Padma Meghna Jamuna, Biroho Betha, Devdas, Shilpy, Miya Bhai, Hason Raja, Megher Porey Megh, and others. He won numerous awards including the National Film Award for his contributions.
-With New Age input
