Ekushey Padak and National Film Award-winning actor, playwright and director Abul Hayat turns 76 today. Starting with Oedipus in 1968, the noted artiste acted in more than one thousand television projects.  He also worked in radio, theatre and films.

Hayat is one of the founding members of the pioneer theatre group, Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, established in 1968. He gave a remarkable performance as Misir Ali on television, under the direction of Mustafizur Rahman. "For a long time, people addressed me as Misir Ali," shares Hayat. "I feel fortunate to have worked in such a popular production."

His first stage role was in the play, Buro Shaliker Ghare Ro, presented by Nagorik Natya Sampradaya and directed by Ataur Rahman.

One of his most notable stage plays is Nagorik Natya Sampradaya's Baki Itihash, in which he essayed the role of Sitanath Chakrobarty. "It was the turning point for me in theatre," says Hayat.

Dewan Gazir Kissa, another popular play starring Hayat, was introduced in 1977. It was directed by Asaduzzaman Noor. "It is one of my favourite plays. I played the role of a 30-year old man in it, which was challenging to keep up over the years," shares Hayat.

Mukhosh, Bishorjon and Shot Manusher Khonje are three of Hayat's most talked about productions.  Bishorjon, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore's story of the same name, was directed by Hayat himself.  Shot Manusher Khonje was directed by Aly Zaker, in which Hayat was appreciated for his role. Mukhosh was directed by Sara Zaker.

Hajar Bochhor Dhore is a popular radio project of Hayat. Shesh Rokkha and Gora Namok on radio, also features remarkable performances by Hayat. He also appeared on some landmark television productions, including Kothao Keu Nei, Eishob Din Ratri, Bohubrihi and Ayomoy.

He played the role of a fisherman in the tele-fiction, Ayomon, which was based in rural Bangladesh. "Ayomon was one of the best works of Humayun Ahmed. The character I played was multidimensional and as an artiste, I was able to experiment a lot," he says. He considers Ayomon and Bohubrihi to be two of his best works.

"Today is my granddaughter Trisha's birthday as well. We will celebrate together," he concludes.