Abdullah Al Mamun’s 77th birth anniversary today

Today marks the 77th birth anniversary of one of Bangladesh’s all-time top icons in the arts and entertainment industry, Ekushey Padak recipient, Abdullah Al Mamun. A celebrated personality in the arenas of theatre, television and cinema, Abdullah Al Mamun left behind a dynamic collection of works to his credit. The brilliant plays he wrote in his time are being staged to this day by his theatre troupe, Theatre, and other theatre companies. The playwright-actor-director virtuoso passed away on August 21, 2008 at the age of 66.

“Mamun was a multidimensional mastermind. Bangladesh’s television drama industry gained its initial momentum under his leadership while he made tremendous contributions to Bangladesh’s theatre industry as well,” expressed theatre personality Ramendu Majumdar. “We lost him too early. But he continues to live on and live strong through his works.”

The telefiction Shongshoptok, adapted and produced by Abdullah Al Mamun from Shaheed Budhhijibi Shahidullah Kaiser’s novel, marked a pivotal point for the Bangladeshi television drama industry in the 80s. Abdullah Al Mamun was also responsible for ushering many stalwart actors into the fraternity.

“Abdullah Al Mamun was an exceptionally versatile artiste. He was successful in every path he pursued,” reminisced theatre exponent Mamunur Rashid. “We feel his absence in our fraternity and miss him dearly.”

Abdullah Al Mamun was one of the founding members of the theatre troupe, Theatre. The plays – Meraj Fokirer Maa, Meherjaan Arekbar, Aynay Bondhur Mukh, Tomrai, Senapoti, Subochon Nirbashone, Kokilara, Bibisaab, Ujan Pobon, Shahjadir Kalo Nekab and Dyasher Manush are some of his most famous works, that continue to be staged till date. His directorial works for the silver screen, Sareng Bou, Dui Jibon, Akhoni Somoy and Dui Beyaier Kirti were all commercial as well as critical successes. He won the National Film Award for best direction for both Dui Jibon and Akhoni Somoy.

“It is not possible to talk about Mamun Bhai in little detail. I truly cherished the person and artiste he was. He loved his work and his work is what keeps him alive amongst us to this day. I believe he will continue to breathe on with his work for many more years to come,” said evergreen actor Afzal Hossain, who acted in Abdullah Al Mamun’s film Dui Jibon.