SYED HASAN IMAM
Syed Hasan Imam is a versatile genius who is known as an actor, a film director, a television director and a cultural personality in Bangladesh. This amazing personality was born in 29th July, 1935. He started his film career with the film 'Dharapat' in 1961. He went on to act in films like 'Raja Elo Shohorey', 'Shiit Bikel', 'Janajani', 'Ujala', 'Kagojer Nouka', 'Anarkoli', 'Ghuddi' and 'Sareng Bou'. He debuted in direction with the film 'Lalon Fakir' in 1972. He is well respected for his contributions to the clandestine Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. He was honored with the 'Bangladesh National Film Award for Lifetime Achievement' in 2014. He has also received many other prestigious awards including 'Ekushey Padak' (1999) and 'Bangla Academy Honorary Fellowship' (2013). Achieving the highest civilian award, 'Swadhinata Padak' for his contribution in the war of liberation in 1971, was another wonder. He will be cherished forever for his remarkable contributions in the cultural arena of Bangladesh.
INSPIRATION
The ideologies about my life have been transmitted from my family. Hence, the biggest inspiration of my life is my family. I always tried to live my present in the fullest and had never aimed to get success; I have just enjoyed the passing moments of my life. Though my father passed away when I was 2 years old, I am blessed to have such a mother, Syeda Syeeda Khatun, who was always by my side whenever I needed the warmth of her shelter. My grandfather, Khanbahadur Syed Sultan Ali, a lawyer and politician of Bagerhaat, was also my inspiration. He was a person with an astounding personality. My maternal family was a lively joint family which was one of the biggest inspirations of my life.
PHILOSOPHY
I grew up with an atmospheric condition where discrimination was highly discouraged. I always try to follow these three things: to live with honesty, to raise voice against injustice and to help people as much as possible. I try to be by the side of poverty-stricken people because according to me, they are the equal owners of the assets of our country. Therefore, being the citizens of our country, they should have equal rights. And, of course, I am proud to be a Bangladeshi.
VIEWS ON HIS PROFESSION
My passion and profession has been changing since my childhood. From the very beginning, singing was the passion of my life. Since I was a kid, my great grandmother used to call me "Radio" as I used to sing the whole day. My mother wished for me to be a singer. I was also interested in sports. At a point of my life, I had planned to take football as my profession. I used to play for the West Bengal School Team. I also used to play cricket for the Calcutta University as an opening batsman and wicket-keeper. But unfortunately, due to the ligament damage of my knee, I couldn't continue sports. That time, reciting was also my hobby. I got involved in student politics when I was in college. I was a leader of the student-front of the left party. I have participated in so many stage plays at my early age. The first act of my life was just to participate in a theatre organized by the college student club. To me, each and every art has its own strength. Listening to various kinds of music, reading poems and novels can be the ingredients to uplift the taste of our future generation.
MUSIC
I love listening to Rabindra Sangeet. Whenever I am in a gloomy or in a jolly mood, I start singing Rabindra Sangeet. The heart melting melody of it always gives me immense pleasure.
FILMS
I was the founding president of the Federation Film Societies of East Pakistan. Hence, I have watched a lot of movies in my life. I love to watch the movies of Satyajit Ray and Pather Panchali is one of my most favorite movies.
BOOKS
Reading books never makes me tired. Therefore, I read a lot of fictions. I loved to read detective books and I have a huge collection of different types of story books. And of course, the books of Rabindranath are my all-time favorites.
FUTURE PLANS
I have a dream that one day the whole world will be united. People may think that I'm trying to build a utopia but it's my dream that one day, there will be no country boundary in this world. In my view, we, the human beings are different from other animals just because of our knowledge and culture. Therefore, only our culture can unite us by removing all the barriers.
IDOLS
I like the philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore. His love for mankind and for the county always inspires me. I also try to follow the ideologies of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His political strategies, knowledge and decision making ability had never failed to amaze me. His philosophy always inspires me in every aspect of my political life. My mother is also my idol. She was the bravest and the most soft-hearted lady I have ever seen. I think I am blessed to have such a mother who was always by my side like a divine shelter.
By Shawreen Rahman