Footprints in the creative arena

Ananta Hira

Born in Barisal, Ananta Hira stepped into the creative arena through a theatre troupe called Barisal Natok. He had been a member of the troupe for five years (1984-89) and acted in a play titled “Chetonaye Hanchhey Aghat” besides publishing a little magazine.
He did both his Honours and Masters' in Bangla from Barisal Govt. Braj Mohan College (popularly known as BM College). He was also very active in the local cultural scene and journalism.
“An indomitable urge always propels me to create something new,” asserts Hira.
In 1988, Hira's friend Jhantu Bayen introduced him to leading theatre personalities from Nagarik Natya Sampradaya. On April 8, in the following year he joined Nagarik Natya Sampradaya and picked up many elements of theatre up till 2002.
As a theatre activist, Hira performed in a number of productions, namely “Nuruldin-er Shara Jibon”, “Khatta Tamasha”, “Darpan”, “Shoth Manush-er Khojey” and “Achalaytan” -- all directed by Aly Zaker; “Dewan Gazir Kissa” directed by Asaduzzaman Noor; “Kal Shondhya” and “Muktadhara” directed by Khaled Khan; “Rother Rashik” directed by Abul Hayat; “Galileo”, “Raktokarobi” and “Himmoti Ma” directed by Ataur Rahman; “Bibishab” written and directed by Abdullah Al Mamun and Nikhel Sen respectively; “Sri Madhushudan” directed by Jalaluddin Hossain; “Ora Kadom Ali”, written and directed by Mamunur Rashid and Nikhel Sen respectively and several others.
“I'm truly indebted to Nagarik Natya Sampradaya as it expanded my inner horizon,” says Hira.
Later Hira founded a theatre troupe titled "Prangoney Mor Natyadol" in the city.
In the meantime, Hira wrote “Tar Mlan Chokh” and “Shaat Pourey Kabya”, ---- both aired on BTV in 1985 and in 1987 respectively.
He adapted a tele-film from “Char Oddhyay”, a novel by Rabindranath Tagore. Directed by Ahsan Habib, the tele-film was aired on BTV in 1992. He also personified the character of Kanai Lal in that film.
Hira wrote and directed his first documentary on the Liberation War “Muktijuddho Rupkatha Noy” that went on air on BTV. His other works include “Ratno Gorbha Janoni” (a documentary on five Freedom Fighters), “Mrityuheen Pran” (a documentary on Colonel Taher), “Madhumala O Madankumar” (an adaptation of Jasim Uddin's work), “Shona Mian Transport Agency” (an Eid-special play) and “Urukku” (adaptation of a novel by Nasrin Jahan); all aired on BTV.
Hira is a ceaseless worker. He works from both commercial and artistic angles. He writes and directs TV plays, tele-films, documentaries and occasionally acts too.
Among his other works are “Meghla Manush” (a tele-film directed by Badol Rahman) and “Bishkata” aired on Ekushey TV; “Bichar” (a special drama on Victory Day 2006), “Shampotti Shamorpan”, “Mohona” and “Swapner Pathshala” on ATN Bangla; “Shampriti Gantha” and “Dhaka Crime File” on Rtv; “Epitaph” (a single episode drama written by Nasrin Jahan) on ntv; “Bhalobasha Pherabe Orchid” and “Shunya Thekey Shamudra” on Channel i; “Bongshiwala”, “Ognigiri” ( an adaptation of Kazi Nazrul Islam's work) and “Boshtomi” (an adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's work) on Channel 1.
“Of all my works, I was content with “Bishkata”, “Bichar”, “Shampriti Gantha”, “Bongshiwala”, “Ognigiri” and “Boshtomi,” says Hira.
Questioned on his recent works, Hira says, "At present I am busy with a number of TV plays and serials. A new daily soap titled "Shamporko" is all set to go on air soon."
Hira has lent his voice to three audio albums featuring recitation so far: “Shundaro Hridi Rangono Tumi”, “Ichchheygulo Matal Bhishon” and “Bhalobasha Nokshikatha”.
Hira is credited with publication of five books -- three on poems and two on essays on drama. “Bhalobasha Nokshikatha”, “Nadhir Naam Kittonkhola, Narir Naam Kittonkhola” and “Shoshyagondha Nari” are his books on poems and “Dui Bangla-e Rabindra Natya Charcha O Onyanyo” and “Lokonayak” are essays on drama.
“I'd like to portray different aspects of life on my creative canvas until my exit from this world,” concludes Hira.