Humayun Faridee, the legendary actor and one of the brightest silver screen stars in the country, died at his Dhanmondi residence in the capital yesterday morning. He was 60.
Faridee, a popular actor who mesmerised audiences for over two decades with his powerful versatile acting skills in theatre, television drama, and cinema, breathed his last around 10:00am.
He left behind a daughter and a host of relatives, well wishers and admirers to mourn his death.
The caretaker of Faridee’s residence, Rubel, found Faridee lying on the floor of his bathroom in the morning, said relatives of Faridee. His personal assistant Shahin then called a doctor who confirmed the death.
A freedom fighter, Faridee had been suffering from some complications, including lung disease. He was admitted to a city hospital about eight or nine days ago and returned to his residence on Sunday, they added.
As soon as news of his demise went out, grief-stricken relatives, friends, cultural personalities, journalists, and acquaintances rushed to his house.
Faridee’s first namaz-e-janaza was held in front of his residence around 12:45pm while the second took place at Bangladesh Television complex in Rampura around 2:00pm. His third namaz-e-janeza was held at Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) after Asr prayers.
His body, kept at Birdem mortuary, will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar today to enable his well-wishers and fans from of all walks of life to pay their last tribute to the thespian.
Faridee will be laid to eternal rest at Mirpur Intellectuals’ Graveyard.
Born in Narinda in the old part of Dhaka on May 29, 1952, Faridee was a student of economics at Jahangirnagar University. His passion for acting began in his childhood. In the early 1980s, he joined Dhaka Theatre.
He was well-known for his extraordinary portrayal of roles in different plays, which included Songsaptak, Pathar Shomoy, Dui Bhai, Sheeter Pakhi, Kothao Keu Nei, Shomudre Gangchil and Kachher Manush.
Midway in his stage career, Faridee joined films and won the hearts of millions through his work. Some of his prominent movies are Dohon, Hulia, Shontrash, Bachelor, JoyJatra Shamolchaya, Bohubrihi, Ekattorer Jishu, Mayer Morjada and Aha. He also directed a few TV plays.
Faridee had been living a lonely life since his divorce from eminent actress Suborna Mustafa in 2008.
President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have expressed her deep shock at the death of the veteran actor. They prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed their sincere sympathies to the bereaved family members.
-With The Daily Star input
