Lalu Bhai in remembrance…

Cultural activists here reminisced on AFM Abdul Ali Lalu, once a popular comedian of Bangla films, radio and television at a discussion at the Muslim Institute auditorium in Mymensingh town on Monday afternoon.

Lalu Sangskritik Smriti Parishad organised the discussion, marking the 6th death anniversary of Abdul Ali Lalu, better known to a generation of TV and film audiences as “Lalu Bhai”.

Mayor of Mymensingh municipality Ekramul Haque Titu was the chief guest. The prominent speakers were drawn across several cultural organisations.

Masud Kabir, secretary of Smriti Parishad, delivered the welcome address while its convener Mustafa Hasan Khokon, son of Lalu Bhai, presided over the event. Smriti Parishad member Zakir Hossain anchored the event.

The speakers pointed out that at one point of time, Lalu Bhai, a 'special category' level artiste of BTV was an important figure at cultural functions in Mymensingh. Ironically, Lalu Bhai, died of old age complications in 2008 in utter poverty and neglect.

His family did not receive any financial aid from any quarter after his death, said the speakers adding that urgent steps should be taken to preserve the memory of Lalu Bhai.

“My father was once a busy entertainer and a familiar face on TV and in films but his life ended in complete poverty,” said Khokon while talking to this correspondent.

“My mother Halima Khatun is old and infirm. It is difficult for me to make both ends meet,” lamented Khokon urging the authorities of BTV and Film Development Corporation (FDC) to lend a hand to the distressed family.

Born at Sehora in Mymensingh town on October 20, 1932, Lalu Bhai received much public acclaim as an actor. He became a familiar name through the comic serial “Triratna”; plays --“Gharua”, “Anwara” and magazine programme “Bahurupi”. What's more he founded the reputed Modern Theatre and was associated with “Amoraboti Natya Mandir” in Mymensingh.

His career as an actor took off in 1962 through his role in the film “Surya Snan”.

He acted in more than 100 films in his busy career. He also worked with Abdul Jabbar Khan, director of the first Bangla feature film “Mukh O Mukhosh”.

Among films Lalu Bhai acted in are: “Dui Diganto”, “Raja Elo Shahorey”, and many more.