Anwar Hossain passes away

Veteran character actor of Bangla cinema Anwar Hossain yesterday passed away due to old-age complications, at the age of 82.
He was admitted to Square Hospital in the capital on August 18 with various complications.
Anwar Hossain breathed his last around 2:30am.
He left behind his wife, four sons, one daughter and a host of relatives, well-wishers and admirers. He was buried at Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard in Mirpur, Dhaka yesterday.
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia and Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday expressed profound shock at the demise of the unparallel film star.
Different social and cultural organisations also sent condolence messages expressing their shock over the departure.
Hossain played a queer variety of characters in his illustrious career, be it of a hero, rebel, father and whatnot. But it was the title role in “Nawab Sirajuddula” -- directed by noted actor-director Khan Ataur Rahman -- that gave him the most recognition. After the release of the film in 1967, people started calling him “Nawab”.
Born on December 6, 1931, Anwar Hossain was the third child of Nazir Hossain and Sadiya Khatun. His first footing on acting was in school. In college life, he participated in a number of theatre productions staged in Mymensingh. But then, he chose to chase bigger dreams, and came to Dhaka to embark on a journey in cinema, just as the first feature film “Mukh O Mukhosh” was released.
With his role in the film “Tomar Amar”, Anwar Hossain caught the eyes of directors and producers with his powerful acting. He spent busy time on the silver screen, namely in Surjosnan, Kancher Dewal, Dui Diganta, Raja Elo Shohorey, Godhulir Prem and so on.
Anwar Hossain also acted in Urdu films. His most noticeable Urdu films are Nachghor, Bahana and Ujala.
The year 1965 was the most memorable in his career, as his film Roopban was released that year. The movie earned him immense popularity.
After that, he acted in Etotuku Asha, Shat Bhai Chompa, Neel Akash-er Nichey, Ka-Kha-Ga-Gha-Uma, Ghurnijhor and Swarolipi.
He also starred in the famous film Jibon Theke Neya directed by eminent director Zahir Raihan. In it, Anwar Hossain superbly portrayed the character of a political leader.
In post-liberation Bangladesh, Hossain delivered a number of memorable performances. His notable films are Joy Bangla, Nijere Haraye Khuji, Lalon Fokir, Orunodoyer Ognishakkhi, Alo Tumi Aleya, Golapi Ekhon Train-a, Devdas, Rajlokkhi Srikanto and Dayee Ke.
His last in the film industry was Ghani.
Anwar Hossain received the National Film Awards as the best actor for his brilliant work in Lathiyal, and again for the films Golapi Ekhon Train-a and Dayee Ke. He also won the BACHSAS Award.
Last year, the eminent actor was given Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Film Awards for his contribution to Bangla film industry.
In the condolence message, President Abdul Hamid said Anwar Hossain's demise was a great loss for the country.
Expressing deep shock PM Sheikh Hasina said Anwar Hossain, known as the 'Crownless Emperor' of Bangla cinema was a versatile actor and an unparalleled figure in the Bangla film industry.
Former premier Khaleda Zia in her condolence message said, "A legend in Bangla movie, Anwar Hossain was like a kinsman to mass people for his dazzling performance as Banglar Nawab in Sirajuddaula, reports UNB.
The Bangladesh Film Development Corporation in a press release also expressed deep shock at the demise of film star Anwar Hossain.