Baby Islam
Noted cinematographer, photographer, director and producer Baby Islam passed away on May 24 in the city.
Before Partition (1947), Islam worked with noted Indian director Ajoy Kar as an assistant. In 1956, he joined as senior photographer at the Information Department in Dhaka. He also served as the general manager of FDC (now BFDC).
Islam took part in many exhibitions and competitions. He received several prestigious awards for his outstanding contribution to the film industry. As cinematographer, his notable works are “Titas Ekti Nodir Nam,” “Akash Aar Mati,” “Shurjosnan,” “Nawab Sirajuddaula,” “Neel Akasher Niche,” “Noyoner Alo” and more.
Kalim Sharafi
Cultural revolutionary and eminent singer Kalim Sharafi passed away on November 2 in the capital. He was 86. Renowned for Rabindra Sangeet and Gono Sangeet, he took to cultural front to fight communalism, imperialism and crimes against humanity.
During the Liberation War, he participated in different programmes in the UK and US to gather support for Bangladeshis. In 1983 he established music academy 'Shangeet Bhaban,' a Gano Sangeet organisation. He served as its Principal till death.
He also organised and established different theatre groups, namely 'Bahurupi' and 'Prantik' and performed as a playback singer, Adhunik (modern) singer and music director.
Abdul Mannan Syed
Veteran poet, essayist and literary critic Abdul Mannan Syed passed away on September 5 in Dhaka. He was 67. His died of heart ailments.
Syed started writing poems in 1960. His first book of poetry was published in 1967. Throughout a career spanning over five decades, he had written numerous poems and published over 60 books.
His poems are conceptual and some deal with death, romance and at times the absurd. He was recognised for his noteworthy research works on Jibanananda Das and Kazi Nazrul Islam. Syed had also done researches on Rabindranath Tagore and other iconic litterateurs.
In his illustrious career, the versatile writer received several honours including the prestigious Bangla Academy Award, Ekushey Padak and Alaol Literary Award.
Nurul Islam
Artist Nurul Islam died in Dhaka on September 7. He was 77.
Nurul Islam graduated from Dacca Art College (presently Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka) in 1956. His accomplishments included volumes of drawings, sketches, and paintings. He was a multitalented artist working practically in all mediums and was greatly influenced by Jamini Roy and Quamrul Hassan.
Islam was known for his unique portrayal of curvaceous women. Unusual lines, soothing texture as well as cubism are other key facets of his works.
Bulbul AhmedBulbul Ahmed, the actor best known for his portrayal of Devdas, passed away on July 15 at the age of 69. He had been ailing from diabetes and cardiac diseases.
Bulbul embarked on his own journey as an actor through stage drama in 1965. He made his debut on the small screen in 1968 and had a break on the silver screen in 1972. He turned director with the film “Rajlokkhi Srikanto” in 1987 and won a National Film Award for it.
Bulbul also won the National Film Award thrice for his roles in "Shimana Periye", "Shesh Uttor" and "Bodhubiday".
Challenger
Accomplished TV and film actor ASM Tofazzal Hossain, better known to the audience as “Challenger”, passed away on October 12 in Dhaka. He was 51. He had brain cancer.
The artiste started his career 10 years back through the TV play “Hablong-er Bazar” directed by writer-director Humayun Ahmed. It was Ahmed who named him Challenger. Challenger had acted in more than 200 TV plays and serials. “Bhober Haat,” “Kala Koitor” and “Lilaboti” feature some of his memorable performances.
He acted in several films as well. Among them are Humayun Ahmed's “Shyamol Chhaya” and “Noy Number Bipod Shongket.”