Remembering Selim Al Deen on his 13th death anniversary

"Amra nattyo shromik, natok amader shrom o ghamer foshol" - Selim Al Deen

Trans: "We are dramatists, plays are the fruit of our labour and sweat"

Eminent thespian Selim Al Deen's contribution to Bangladeshi theatre is unparalleled. The playwright ignited the renaissance of modern theatre by treasuring the essence of the rural culture in the country. Today marks his thirteenth death anniversary.

The Ekushey Padak winner was the first to publish collections of plays that are archived in four volumes of "Rachona Shomogro".

His most significant plays include, "Jaundice and various balloons" (1975), "Muntaser Fantashi" (1976), "Shakuntala" (1977), "Bashon" (1985), "Keramatmangal" (1985), "Hat Hadai" (1988), "Hargoj" (1993) "Ekti Marma Rupkatha" (1992), "Jaibotir Konnar Mon" (1992), "Bonopungshul" (1996), "Prachcho" (1998) and "Nimojjan" (2004), among numerous others.

Alongside plays, Selim Al Deen also authored two poetry collections, "Kobi O Timir" (1990) and "Swapna Ramanigan" (2007), alongside his only novel "Amrita Upkshan". His plays "Kitton Khola" (1978–80) and "Chaka" (1991) were adapted into films that earned praise at home and abroad. He also wrote the dialogues for the well-acclaimed film, "Ekattorer Jishu" (1993).

Being a lecturer at Jahangirnagar University, he founded the Dramatics Department and taught there for 30 years. He has also written the popular television projects "Nishwora Bhalobasha", "Bhangoner Shobdo Shuni" and "Chhaya Shikari", among others.

The thespian passed away due to a cardiac arrest at Labaid Cardiac Hospital in Dhaka on January 14, 2008. He won the Bangla Academy award, Kathak Sahitya Puroshkar, Nandikaar Puroshkar, Best Tele-Playwright Award, National Cinema Award, Khaleqdad Chowdhury Sahitya Puroshkar (2001), Alokta Sahitya Puroshkar (2007) and the Munier Chowdhury Sammanona throughout his career. He was laid to rest at a graveyard near Jahangirnagar University's central mosque.