Anwar Hossain, the Nawab of Bengali films, is residing in millions of hearts, said his contemporaries who came to pay the regal actor their last tributes on Friday. Co-workers and friends at FDC described him as an ideal man until very end.It was his lead role in 60’s ‘Nawab Sirahuddoula’ that earned him the nickname of ‘Nawab without a crown’. Anwar Hossain kept his royal seat for decades to come as he graced hundreds of films with his signature presence.
Razzak who acted by his side in Zahir Raihan’s pioneering film ‘Jibon Theke Newa’ placed flowers on his coffin at FDC and said he remembered him as an elder brother.
“He is not only the nawab, but a big brother to us all. He gave life to the roles he played. He was the Nawab and we were his foot soldiers.”
The veteran actor breathed his last while being treated at Dhaka’s Square Hospital. He was 82.
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia have mourned his death.
His loss is being felt in the cultural arena where he had contributed extensively throughout his life.
His coffin was first taken to his house in Kalabagan at dawn where members of the film fraternity flocked to see him for one last time.
Anwar Hossain was not given the value he deserved and he did not receive the assistance he needed in his last days, said his daughter Zinat Hasan.
She demanded that authorities take initiatives so that her father’s memories and achievements are preserved.
From Kalabagan his body was taken to Baitul Mukarram National Mosque for a namaz-e-janaza, and after that the remains were taken to FDC, where he had worked for over 50 years, for a second funeral prayer.
“Anwar Hossain believed one has to be a good man to be a good actor. We have lost a good man today,” said FDC Ddirector Pijush Bandapadhaya.
Film director Chashi Nazrul Islam was embarrassed by the low turnout of young actors at FDC on Friday.
“He was one of the best in the sub-continent. I will advise those acting today to learn from him.”
Information Minister Hasanul Huq Inu who was present in FDC recalled seeing the actor for the first time.
“I came to know him first through the silver screen in the 60’s. There aren’t a lot like him. He in his time competed with films from Kolkata, Bombay and Lahore and made his name. He was always ascending,
it seemed to me.”
The minister promised to take measures to preserve his golden days. Actors ATM Shamsuzzaman, Alamgir, Ujjal, Misha Soudagar, director Kazi Hayat and Md Hannan were present to pay him their respects.
Anwar Hossain’s body was taken from FDC to Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard where he was laid to rest forever in peace.
The soft-spoken actor received the National Film Award for best actor in the film “Lathiyal” in 1975, and again for “Golapi Ekhon Train-e”, this time as supporting actor, in 1978.
He won the National Film Award for the third time for another stellar performance in “Dayi Ke” in 1987.
In 2012, the prominent actor was received Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the movie industry.
