Death anniversary of Shubash Dutta

On this day in 2012, Shubash Dutta, a towering figure in the history of Bangladeshi filmdom, passed on. Starting his career in the mid-'50s, Subhash Dutta rose to fame in the '70s. 

Making an entry in the industry as poster designer of “Mukh O Mukhosh”, Dutta forayed into acting with “E Desh Tomar Amar”, and gained fame for his role in “Harano Din”.

However, it was Satyajit Ray's “Pather Panchali” that influenced Dutta tremendously. In 1957, after watching the film in Dhaka, Dutta instantly decided to become a filmmaker.

In 1963, he started making “Shutorang”, a film that featured Dutta in the male lead alongside newcomer Kobori, who later rose to fame.  

“Shutorang” was both a critically and commercially successful film. Then he made “Abirbhab”. In 1971, during the Liberation War, the Pakistani army arrested the director but he was released later as he was a known face in Pakistan through a number of Urdu films.

After the Liberation War, he made “Arunodoyer Agnishakkhi”, a classic in Bangla cinema history.

In 1977, Dutta made “Bashundhara” based on Alauddin Al Azad's novel “23 Nombor Toilochitra”. 

Dutta was a director, an actor, a producer, a playwright and a theatre actor. He played a key role in ushering in a new era in Bangladeshi films.

As recognition to his outstanding contribution to the country, Dutta was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1999. He also won the National Film Award in the 70s.

Dutta was an inspiration to many during his lifetime. After his death, Dutta's work continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers.

Compiled by cultural correspondent.