An Artiste's Life

Khalil Ullah Khan was a leading Bangladeshi actor who achieved equally remarkable success in film, television and theatre. During his 50 years of acting career Khalil starred in 86 movies with pioneers like Zahir Raihan and Kalim Sharafi. This veteran actor was honoured with National Film Awards several times. He played an active role in promoting healthy entertainment and social messages through Bangladeshi films and television serials. We pay homage to this great artiste on his sudden departure from this world on December 7, 2014.

Khalil Ullah Khan was born on February 2, 1934 in Kumarpara, Sylhet
Along with his police officer father, he travelled to different remote districts of Bengal such as Krishnanagar, Medinipur, Bogra etc.
He completed his schooling in Sylhet and graduated from Sylhet MC College
Khalil then went to Quetta to join the  Pakistan army as a commissioned officer

In 1952 Khalil returned to Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) and joined Ansar as an adjutant
But he was soon suspended for his involvement with progressive cultural activities
In 1959 he made his debut as a hero in Zahir Raihan's epic 'Shonar Kajol'
In 1965 Khalil starred in one of Bangladesh's first historical films called 'Bhawal Shanyasi'

In 1968 Khalil starred in his last film 'Jangli Phool'  as a hero
His first national award came for Alamgir Kumkum's movie 'Gunda' where he acted with Sumita Devi and Sultana Zaman, the two most prominent actresses of that time
In the 80s he started to appear in the television serials of BTV
Besides acting in more than 800 films, Khalil earned much appreciation for his 'Mia' role on BTV's  Sangsaptak

In 1977 Khalil got back his job in Ansar after a long withdrawal and retired from the service in 1992
He continued his career in the entertainment world and served as the president of Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association
In 2012 he won a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution in Bangladeshi film industry
This veteran actor breathed his last on December 7, 2014 in Dhaka