Veteran film actor, freedom fighter and ruling Awami League lawmaker for Dhaka-17 Akbar Hossain Pathan Farooque passed away on Monday, May 15.
The actor passed away while undergoing treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. His fellow actors Babita, Rozina, Jaya Ahsan and Shakib Khan have expressed their deep grief at the news.
Retired Indian actress, Babita Kapoor states: “I met Farooque many years ago. I knew him to possess great bravery and had a fiery temperament in his personal life. When it came to his artistic career, he truly embodied a man of the earth. In front of the camera, he effortlessly transformed into a genuine representative of the common people. To be honest, Farooq Bhai's portrayal as a village protester was incomparable. He always had this remarkable ability to breathe life into his characters.”
She notes: “The passing of Farooque Bhai has cast a gloomy shadow over the morning. It is an unexpected event that I could have never imagined. Above all, he was a fiercely independent individual who stood out among others.”
Actress Jaya Ahsan expressed her grief on behalf of the people of Bangladesh on her social media writing: “Great people of Bangladesh, the film world is at a standstill today. A shadow of grief has been cast on moviegoers. Farooque Bhai has left us. Akbar Hossain Pathan Farooque, hero, freedom fighter, MP, the fullness of his contributions is as bright as his life. I will remember him in that light. Beyond life, he will remain in our hearts forever through his numerous triumphs.”
Shakib Khan expressed his mourning over the news stating: “Our beloved Mia Bhai (Farooque) has passed away. As long as he was healthy, he held me dearly. Any good work of mine and the release of the film's poster or trailer, he would appreciate himself and take pride in it."
In his tribute Khan further notes:“This man, whom I respect, was one of the sages in the film industry. I have countless memories with this great man, both at work and outside of work. I am saddened by the loss of a beloved actor as well as a guardian. May he rest in peace.”
Fellow actress from Farooque's successful career in the black-and-white era of Bangladeshi cinema, Actress Rozina states: "I can't believe that Farooque bhai is no more. While I understand that it's natural for people to die, I still can't believe the departure of such a beloved person."
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Mohammed Shahabuddin have also expressed their grief in earlier statements.
