Friday marks the 23rd death anniversary of playwright, actor, and director, Syed Mohidul Islam.
Born on January 1, 1946, in the village of Syed Mohalla in Fokirhat upazila, now part of Bagerhat district, his life was one of immense contribution to the world of theatre and the arts in Bangladesh.
Syed Mohidul Islam was the son of Syed Morshed Ali Khandaker and Fatema Begum.
In 1969, he earned his Master’s degree in Bangla literature from Dhaka University. That same year, he expanded his horizons by receiving special training in television production in Rawalpindi.
Later, he went to India and earned a postgraduate degree in drama theory from the National School of Drama. In 1978, after returning to Bangladesh, he became involved with the Batikrom Natya Goshti, a theatre group where he continued to practice and promote theatre regularly.
In 1984, Syed Mohidul Islam founded the "School of Acting," where he served as the director and main instructor until his death.
Many of the students from this school have gone on to work in theatre and electronic media.
The number of plays directed by him in the production of Batikrom Nattyagosty is 33. In addition to the stage, he acted in numerous radio and television plays and wrote manuscripts.
Making two films is a unique signature of his Sabyasachi work. “Ami Kar” and “Swapnajatra” are his films.
His book “Obhinoy” is based on the analysis of acting education.
Published plays and writings that have been performed on stage – Issor Ebong Ami, Sotto Obastob, Rupkotha, and more.
He translated and adapted 11 plays and writings for Bangladeshi audiences.
His family includes his wife, Nadira Islam, daughter, Syeda Nowshin Islam Disha, and son, Syed Ajmer Islam.