Celebrating Life 'Lifetime Achievement' award 2018
Runa Laila
I was reached by Mahfuz Anam bhai a few months back. On the phone he told me he was considering me as the perfect match for this year's Standard Chartered-The Daily Star Celebrating Life 'Lifetime Achievement' award. I replied, 'Why so late? You could give me the award even earlier!' (laughter) He said, age is a factor, so he rather decided to wait for some more time. To add to the humour, I replied, 'So now you think I have become an OLDIE?' Later I was wondering, perhaps he had seen me without makeup! And that might have played a fishy role behind this! (Laughter) And also in his speech when he said he knows me for a significantly long time, it got on my nerves; I was wondering what old secret Mahfuz bhai is going to disclose to all the audience now! But maybe since Alamgir was with me, Mahfuz bhai let it all remain a secret this time. (Laughter) Jokes aside, I am really grateful to all my fans, followers and listeners for their never-ending support. It is their love that has brought me this far. Also thanks a lot to The Daily Star and Standard Chartered Bank. I am feeling immensely motivated after receiving this award. Thanks to all!
Syed Hasan Imam
Lifetime Achievement award is very unique, in the sense that it breeds both joy and sorrow within the heart simultaneously. The joy comes from the satisfaction of getting the recognition that I have managed to create a difference, that I have successfully left a mark with all my efforts. And the sorrow unquestionably comes from the insecurity of becoming obsolete, losing my own identity in oblivion. 'So am I really done? Do I really not have anything more to give to my beloveds?' – the timorous conscience keeps contemplating. I have accepted that I have aged, like any universal process beyond mankind's control. But I am happy that I still am able to work. And this is just how I want my life to be, to stay busy and productive for each and every remaining second. I believe that Tagore had written many songs that go with me, one that I want to recall now is – 'Ei Monihar Amay Nahi Shaaje...'. I have been blessed with the limitless love and affection of many people. The Lifetime Achievement award is going to be another addition to my tally of triumphing over life, another master-stroke in the big picture. I am deeply thankful to The Daily Star and Standard Chartered Bank for giving me this award.
Aly Zaker
I am indebted to The Daily Star and Standard Chartered Bank for giving me the honour of a Lifetime Achievement award. I did not make the journey so far all by myself, and today I feel the urge to express my gratitude to all my companions; life has been magically beautiful with them all around. I am also indebted to the audience, the fans and the critics. You have appreciated my good works, criticized my mistakes, and throughout the whole process, I have learned to become a better actor, a better person. If I was given this award 10 years ago, perhaps the dark cloud of dismissive thoughts would consume my conscience too; the way Hasan Bhai described it. But now I know that there comes a time in the life of every artiste, when a Lifetime Achievement award can only open some never-before-seen doors in front. And those doors can only lead the artiste to the path of making and breaking histories! So I am confident that my work is far from over. I still have a lot to do, and I am still as energetic as ever. And in the journeys to follow, I will be needing such principled companions like Mr. Mahfuz Anam and honorable Minister for Cultural Affairs Mr. Asaduzzaman Noor. I hope we continue to sustain and progress with our solemn Bangladeshi arts and culture. And for that we need true support from every corners of the societies. Please pray for me that I can continue to serve my audience with my best efforts for many more years. Thanks to all of you!
Compiled by Tasbir Iftekhar
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