Keeping Suchitra's memories alive

Suchitra Sen went into seclusion right after her popularity somehow went into a decline, possibly because she wanted to be remembered as her on-screen persona only. And she succeeded. Decades after she appeared on screen, her appeal remains in her earlier glow, to those who watched her films in the 60s, and later. To honour the memories of one of the most special daughters of the soil, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) has taken a wide array of programmes. Director General of BSA, Liaquat Ali Lucky informed that a nationwide programme spanning a whole year has been taken to keep Suchitra Sen's memories alive. One of the plans includes acquisition of her ancestral residence in Pabna and turn it into an archive, with film screening facilities. The Prime Minister has assured of providing necessary support in this regard, Liaquat Ali Lucky informed, adding that minister for cultural affairs, Asaduzzaman Noor is scheduled to travel to India early next month to meet with Suchitra's family about it.
A 20-day festival of Uttam and Suchitra's films, meanwhile, is on at the BSA, Liaquat Ali Lucky said, adding that yearlong programmes of screening of Suchitra's films in all 64 districts of the country -- due to begin next week -- were also announced from a memorial meeting on the artiste, held on Friday at BSA. An archive of Suchitra Sen's films will be established in Dhaka as well, facilitating screening of her other films throughout the year.
Other plans on the yearlong programme include musical programmes organised by BSA on the songs picturised on Suchitra, paintings of Suchitra done by noted artists, seminars and discussions.