Celebrating Mustafa Monwar, artist extraordinaire

It was an evening of celebration of life of Mustafa Monwar. The artist extraordinaire poetically portrayed numerous watercolours and artworks, aesthetically developed the standard of TV programmes in Bangladesh, pioneered the art of puppetry, taught a number of students with not only art but also other forms of performing arts as a teacher at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka and mentored many creative minds with his unique artistic ways.

September 1 was the 81st birth anniversary of this eminent artist. Director's Guild, an organisation of Television Drama Directors, befittingly paid homage to the living legend in celebration of his birth anniversary through a programme at the National Theatre Hall auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Artistes of Nrityanchal, led by Shamim Ara Nipa and Shibli Mohammad, set off of the celebration programme displaying a medley dance pieces set on Tagore songs. The dancers fascinated the audience with the grace of Kathak and at the end of their presentation; they brought Mustafa Monwar on stage and welcomed the artist. 

Renowned TV personality Ali Imam hosted the event, speaking highly of Mustafa Monwar. He went down memory lane and shared many unknown stories of the artist. Saidul Anam Tutul, the convener of the birthday celebration committee, delivered welcome address. Among others, eminent artist Rafiqun Nabi, renowned thespian Mamunur Rashid, filmmaker Amjad Hossain, photographer Nawazish Ali Khan, directors Animesh Aich, Chayanika Chowdhury and dancer Shamim Ara Nipa spoke at the event.

Nrityanchal artistes greet Mustafa Monwar on stage. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Mustafa Monwar's timeless visuals, especially 'Raktakarabi' and 'Mukhora Romoni Boshikoron' will continue to inspire us all the time,” said Maunur Rashid.

Sir (Mustafa Monwar) was a different art teacher, who apart from teaching art, baptized us in other performing arts like music, dance, drama and more to become a truly cultured person,” said Rafiqun Nabi.

I visualize the images of Mustafa Monwar as the songs of Rabindranath and paintings of Abanindranath,” said Amjad Hossain.

Ahsan Habib paid his tribute to the artist playing flute at the event. 

Many individuals and organisations, including newly-elected members of Director's Guild, Bangladesh Pothonatok Parishad, Drishtipat Natya Sangsad, Charuneedam Theatre, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy wished him with floral bouquets.  

Merry Monwar, wife of Mustafa Monwar, also expressed her gratitude to the organisers for such a beautiful event.   

Noted Tagore artiste Laisa Ahmed Lisa rendered songs like “Shudhu Tomar Bani Noy Go”, “Kanna Hashir Dol Dolano” and “Alo Amar Alo Ogo”. Mustaf Monwar also rendered the song “Kanna Hashir Dol Dolano” in chorus.  

Elocutionist Hasan Arif recited two poems and a song of Tagore, while paying his homage to the artist. 

I would like to thank Director's Guild for arranging such a beautiful event. We have Nazrul, Lalon and above all, Tagore. Which country has such a vast literary, cultural and artistic legacy that we have? We have to nurture this mesmerising cultural heritage with our artistic practice,” said Monwar. He quoted Tagore in expressing the essence of his feelings on the birthday – that he is not ready to check and balance his accomplishments and regrets, but just feels the love for this world.