Mancha Sarathi Ataur Rahman Jayanti Udjapan Parshad arranged a programme on June 18 to celebrate the 75th birthday of seasoned thespian Ataur Rahman. Cultural activists greeted Rahman with bouquets and gifts on this special occasion organised at the Studio Theatre, National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Noted cultural personality Nasiruddin Yousuff, also the convener of event, infused laughter among all initiating interesting tales of the grandfather of Ataur Rahman  who later shared funny tales, skits and life events of his grandfather in Noakhali dialect.

Eminent Tagore singer Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya paid musical tribute to the theatre personality with Ataur Rahman's favourite songs “Ei Lobhinu Shongo Tobo” and “Jagotey Anandajogge Amar Nimontron”. Dancer Pooja Sengupta recited a poem titled “The Guide of Life” written by Ataur Rahman's son Shwashata. Actress Farhana Mithu recited three poems by Ataur Rahman. Actress Shirin Bokul and elocutionist Laila Afroz were among others to recite poems at the event.

In a lighter vein, president of International Theatre Institute (worldwide) Ramendu Majumdar said, “All great personalities such as Ataur Rahman and my wife (Ferdausi Majumdar) were born on the same day. Ataur's poetry book has recently been published. Recitation and music CDs based on the poems are in the offing. I suggest you to write an autobiography and perform skits for the adults at least for two hours.”

Ataur Rahman also read out a birthday SMS sent by Syed Shamsul Haq from London.

Professor Abdus Selim said, “A young lover lives in the psyche of Ataur Rahman whom I would like to give 100/100 marks regarding his lifelong attachment to theatre.”

Ramendu Majumdar (3-R) with cultural personalities presents a souvenir to Ataur Rahman. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Sammilito Sangskritik Jote president Golam Kuddus said, “I am a great fan of Ataur Rahman for his philosophy of enjoying life to the fullest and speaking straightforward.”

Noted actresses Sara Zaker and Lucky Inam; actor Keramat Mawla; light designer Nasirul Haque Khokon and many others spoke at the programme.

Ataur Rahman, along with his wife, later took the stage where the former expressed his feelings. Different theatre troupes, cultural organisations, artistes, activists and noted personalities also greeted Rahman with bouquets at the event.

Later, parts of two theatre productions – “Opekkhoman” (by Nagarik Natya Sampradaye) and “Waiting for Godot” (by Praktoni) – both directed by Ataur Rahman, were staged at the venue.

Born in Noakhali in 1941, Ataur Rahman completed his Masters in Soil Science from Dhaka University in 1965. Founder general secretary of Nagarik Natya Sampradaye, Rahman is a special honourable member of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, where he previously served as chairman.

Apart from his organisational skills, Rahman is equally successful as a director and an actor. He has directed over 30 plays for his troupe and for different troupes and organisations. His directorial works “Galileo”, “Payer Awaj Pawa Jaye”, “Irsha”, “Rakto Karobi”, “Opekkhoman”, “Banglar Mati Banglar Jol” (Palakar production) and “Narigon” have been lauded by the audience and critics. Ataur Rahman has received a number of prestigious awards, including Shaheed Munier Chowdhury Award and Ekushey Padak.