Musings with Syed Hasan Imam
Freedom fighter and cultural personality Syed Hasan Imam began his acting career in 1961. Over the years, he has won several prestigious awards, including the Ekushey Padak (1999), Independence Award (2016) and Bangladesh National Film Award for Lifetime Achievement (2014), among others.
He never confined himself to one thing. At one point, he was a regular football and cricket player. He studied Mechanical Engineering, and got his first job was at Darshana Sugar Mill. He also worked at a bank.
Syed Hasan Imam began his acting career with television, before making his way into films. When he first started out, he worked on three different films around the same time. His first theatrical release was the film, Dharapat. He acted in several theatre plays as well. He has also shown his mettle as a film director, reciter and singer.
He took up Ranbindra Sangeet in 1952, for a brief period. "I was the champion of the All India Youth Festival's Rabindra Sangeet category, and Chinmoy Chattopadhyay secured the second position," he says. "I was appreciated for my talent. However, I fell dangerously ill around that time and I had to give up my dreams of a singing career."
The actor also authored the book, Akash Amar Bhorlo Aloy, published by Panjeri Publications, in which he shared many personal stories. According to him, it is a lot like an autobiography.
Moreover, he was involved in the major political struggles of the country. "I have had a blessed life so far, with a range of experiences. I have been at the frontline during times of crisis. But now, even if I want to, my age restricts me to be so," says the freedom fighter. "I was involved in the movement that demanded trials for war criminals. Today, as the nation copes with the coronavirus crisis, despite my restrictions, I am trying my best to help people who are close to me and are struggling at this time."
Syed Hasan Imam was just eight in 1943, throughout the famine in the Bengal province of British India during the Second World War. "My family was actively providing necessary aid to the destitute families at the time, and I helped out as much as I could," he explains. "I remember the horrific days of the famine vividly. That was the first time I saw the realities of poverty and helplessness so closely. Those days taught me that we are all in this world to help each other out. I believe that our life is not for us, but rather, for the people around us. It is my greatest life lesson."
An avid bookworm, the actor is spending most of his time at home reading different books nowadays. "I am also keeping in touch with my friends and loved ones. It appears that we are at a standstill now, but life is going by," he explains.