For his special contribution to Liberation War of Bangladesh and country’s cultural arena, Syed Hasan Imam has already received several prestigious awards, such as Swadhinata Padak, Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Fellowship and lifetime honour of National Film Award. Now again, the veteran actor-director has been honoured with yet another esteem award, Geetanjali Honourary Award. The award was handed over to Hasan Imam at a programme organised by Geetanjali Academy in the capital and Hasan Imam received the award from Prime Minister’s Political Affairs Advisor HT Imam.
Syed Hasan Imam said, “I have worked all my life unconditionally for the country and countrymen. I never thought for anything in return. But on the way of my journey, when I get any recognition for my work I feel amazingly great. Then I think silently that the country recognises me with such honour, because I could do something for the people of the country. Having been honoured with Geetanjali Honourary Award made me feel in the similar way. I thank everyone who has initiated to honour me from the academy. I will remember about this award for a long time.”
Born on July 27, 1935 in Bardhaman, India, Syed Hasan Imam started his film career in 1960 and television career in 1964. In 1961, during the Central Festival, he performed as the lead actor in Drama Circle’s production titled ‘Taasher Desh’, ‘Raja O Rani’ and ‘Rakta Karobi’.
In addition to acting, he also directed quite a number of plays such as Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Rakta Karobi’, Maxim Gorky’s ‘Ma’, Somen Chandra’s ‘Na’, among others. In 1969, during the mass protests, about 10, 000 spectators were present at Bangla Academy to watch ‘Rakta Karobi’, which received immense appreciation.
Some of his notable films include ‘Raja Elo Sohore’, ‘Sheeth Bikel’, ‘Janajani’, ‘Dharapaat’, among others. For his iconic performance in Khan Ataur Rahman’s ‘Onek Diner Chena’, he won best actor award at the Pakistan Film Festival in 1965.
He also appeared as a judge in various international film festivals. Overall, in the entertainment and cultural world of Bangladesh, Syed Hasan Imam is an iconic name with an experience accumulating almost four decades.
Photo courtesy l Mohsin Ahmed