Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) has conferred the Shilpakala Padak 2013 to seven noted personalities of the seven different sectors of art and culture.
Recently demised veteran theatre activist, actor and director Khaled Khan has been honoured posthumously for his unparallel contribution in the theatre arena as a playwright.
Khan died on December 20 in 2013.
Wife of Khaled Khan Mita Haque, also an eminent Tagore singer received the award from President Abdul Hamid on behalf of Khaled Khan.
Besides Khan’s glorious career as a TV actor, his prudent appearance in theatre productions like Dewan Gazir Kissa, Nurul Diner Shara Jibon, Galileo, Roktokorobi and Dorpon, captured hearts of millions.
Khan has acted in over 30 plays for Nagarik Natya Sampraday and directed over 10 plays.
His direction on stage includes Subachan Natya Sangsad’s Rupaboti. He had also directed Muktodhara, Putul Khela, Kalshondhay, Master Builder, Khudito Pashan and many more.
Along with Khaled Khan, BSA handed the awards to six cultural connoisseurs of the country on December 30.
Dance guru Amanul Haque, instrumentalist Ustad Motiul Huq Khan, folk artist Saidur Rahman Boyati, artist Shomorjit Roy Chowdhury, singer Fahmida Khatun, independent filmmaker Manzar-e Hasin Murad also received the Shilpakala Padak 2013.
BSA introduced the award this year to acknowledge contributions in the field of Art and Culture every year.
The awardees received Taka one lakh in cash, and a certificate.
The ceremony featured a cultural programme with a dance performance choreographed by seasoned dancer Munmun Ahmed and music directed by Shekh Sadi. A musical session directed by Moniruzzaman marked the concluding session.
Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Hasanul Haq Inu graced the ceremony as the special guest while Ministry of Cultural Affairs Dr Ranjit Kumar Biswas, ndc handed the awards.
Director General of BSA Liaquat Ali Lucky presided over the event.