An ace jatra costume maker
Ali Akbar Pathan, a pioneer in making jatra costumes in Mymensingh (left); the glitzy costumes are used mostly in historical plays. Photo: STAR
Ali Akbar Pathan, a pioneer in making jatra costumes in Mymensingh region is upbeat about the prospects for artistes involved in this profession.
“A skilled dress maker can earn a reasonable income per month,” said Akbar.
“As I had earlier experience in jatra costumes, I took it up as a profession to make a living,” said Akbar. “Soon after starting the business, I got a positive response from jatra artistes of Mymensingh and its adjoining districts of Jamalpur, Sherpur, Kishoreganj and Netrokona.”
So far Akbar has trained some 60 youths from greater Mymensingh in dress making. “Their businesses are flourishing,” said Akbar with pride.
Akbar, who hails from village Salehnagar in Narayanganj, has also had a deep passion for theatre since his boyhood. “When I was 14 years old, I performed in the drama “Shiri Farhad”.
My father always inspired me towards cultural activities and even helped me financially,” he added. Akbar formed a jatra group titled 'Ayesha Opera” and staged many dance dramas, like-“Alomoti”, “Sagarbhasa”, “Rupbhan”, “Saifur Mulluk Badiuzzaman”, “Apon Dulal and, “Bedd Kannya”.
“I could not make ends meet from the jatra party and at one stage I was unable to run the troupe,” said Akbar. “Later, after Liberation in 1976, along with my wife and five daughters I moved over to Mymensingh,” said Akbar.
According to Akbar, the century old art of jatra is still running despite a change in the taste of younger people. “Once there were good number of people in towns and villages who extended patronage to jatra and theatre and promoted this sector but now enthusiasm has vastly declined,” said Akbar who has been in the business of making jatra costumes for the last 40 years.
“If the golden days of jatra return in rural areas and towns, artistes and dress makers will definitely enjoy a comfortable life,” said Akbar.
When the overall situation in the country is normal, the staging of drama increases and artistes flourish,” Akbar commented.
Yusuf Ali, proprietor of 'Liza Saaj Ghar' said that Akbar went first to take up the profession of making jatra costumes and now many people are entering the profession in different parts of the country.
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