The death of legendary actor of Bangla cinema Anwar Hossain, who is best remembered for his iconic role in “Nawab Sirajuddaula,” creates a huge vacuum to the film arena.
In his long acting career of over four decades, the actor, dubbed as the "Crownless Emperor" of Bangali cinema, has appeared in many challenging roles in about nearly 500 movies.
Anwar Hossain was born on November 6, 1931 in Sarulia, Jamalpur. He was very fond of acting in his childhood. He debuted in the film industry silver screen with Mohiuddin’s “Tomar Amar” which was released in 1958. Anwar Hossain also acted in Urdu films such as “Nachghor,” “Bahana” and “Ujala.”
His performance in the 1965 film “Rupban” brought him into limelight, but he created landmark with his most notable acting in “Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula” which was released on 1967. Later, Anwar Hossain achieved the National Award for his brilliant acting in “Lathial.”
The versatile actor’s repertoire include milestone movies of Bangla cinema such as “Etotuku Asha,” “Shat Bhai Chompa,” “Neel Akash-er Niche,” “Sharalipi,” “Kancher Deyal,” “Jibon Theke Neya,” “Orunodoyer Ognishakkhi,” “Golapi Ekhon Train-e,” “Debdas,” “Dhire Bohe Meghna,” “Rupali Shaikate,” “Noyon Moni” and “Surja Sangram.” He last worked in “Ghani.”
He was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award 2010 in the national Film Award for his outstanding contribution to Bangla cinema. Shocked by the news of Hossain’s death, Nayakraj Razzak said, “In many films, he played the character of my elder brother. And in reality, I always considered him the same. He was a man of big heart. The industry will always miss him.”
Noted actor Babita said: “We three sisters last visited him on August 29. He became very energetic by seeing us and we spent a memorable time together. He is a legend and legend never dies. ”
Another seasoned actor Prabeer Mitra, who considers Hossain as his “guru,” said: “I learned most of my acting lessons from him. He was the guardian of our entire generation. Hope the next generation remembers him with the same respect.”
