SWADHINATA PADAK 2016

“I will be a part of this industry till my last days”  …Syed Hasan Imam 

Shah Alam Shazu

Syed Hasan Imam was a heartthrob of his time. With his good looks and powerful acting, he won the hearts of millions in his long career span. Besides acting, he has also directed films. The veteran actor received this year's Swadhinata Padak. In a conversation with The Daily Star, he talked about his reaction to the award and more.

How do you feel about receiving the prestigious award? 
Hasan Imam: I am honoured. I am really grateful that the government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina nominated me for such an honour. I'm also grateful to my countrymen for this. Truly, we artistes community don't work for awards, we do it from the core of our heart. When success comes from our output, we feel very good. 

How does such an award increase your responsibility?
Hasan Imam: It has really doubled. According to Rabindranath, Tomar Pataka Jare Dao, Tare Bahibare Dao Shakti (Whoever you hand over your flag to, give him power to carry it). I have received many awards in the past, but with this, the sense of responsibility really increases.

March is the month of Independence. How do you evaluate the month?
Hasan Imam: March 1971 is a fateful month in our history. Everyone branded Bangalees as frightened people those days, but in March they evolved as a brave nation. Bangalees then fought with sprit. I associate this month with our fighting spirit. 

You are also set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Honours at the National Film Awards this year. What are your thoughts on that?
Hasan Imam: I had received National Film Award before, but this honour is really pleasing. During the Mujibnagar government, we formed an organisation named 'Bangladesh Chalachitro Shilpi O Kalakushuli Samiti' where I was the general secretary and Zahir Raihan was president. We had to play a great role that time. Later, I worked at Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. I will be a part of this industry till my last days, as I'm going to receive the hounour after this long journey.  

Do you have any regrets?
Hasan Imam: I'm not very ambitious so what I got in my life really does not matter for me much. I'm always very serious about my country so I feel very happy when I see that the situation of Bangladesh remains stable. But I have remorse about one issue. I was originally signed for the Satyajit Ray film “Ghare Baire” but it later came to a halt due to a heroine crisis. But when it was made again, I became a bit older and it was tough to match my age with the character.

“Recognition comes with big responsibility“ ... Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya 

Saurav Dey
 

Noted Tagore exponent Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya received the Swadhinata Padak 2016 this year, accepting the honours from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday. Bannya was rewarded for her outstanding contribution to the field of culture. This correspondent caught up with the singer to know her reaction and more. Excerpts:

What was your reaction when you heard you had been nominated for the award?
Bannya: I felt happy and obviously honoured to have been nominated for highest civilian award of the country. I am humbled, and I personally think I did not do anything that can bring me such an honour. But I am happy that the government and the award authority have considered me for this. Until now, I was driven by my passion, but this award has put a big responsibility on my shoulder. 

How does this award increase your responsibilities towards the country?
Bannya: This recognition came with a big responsibility which I will carry on my shoulders. I feel happy and equally fortunate that I have a big role to play for the betterment of the country. 

March is the month of independence. How do you perceive freedom?
Bannya: I don't think we should celebrate our independence and recall 1971 in just March. The freedom we have now came at a cost which the younger generation cannot imagine of. The sacrifice that Freedom Fighters made is beyond their imagination. 

Today, Bangladesh is playing Cricket World Cup and making big achievements there. We frequently go to Europe and America to perform and to hold programmes. All these happened because of the independence. 

We would have spent our lives in East Pakistan, and we would not have any opportunity to do what we are doing now had our Freedom Fighters not made that sacrifice.    

When I was in school during the pre-liberation era, I would take part in competitions held within East Pakistan. I did not even have opportunity to participate in National level competitions. Today, we are free because of our brave souls. 

What roles do artistes play in building a nation? 
Bannya: Artistes are here not to fight; rather they are here to spread the message of love. War cannot help us being good human beings. Artistes play a big role in building a nation. Artistes teach youths how to live and how to love. We teach them ethics, morality which make them good human being. 

A human being should have a healthy mindset, and should embody all other traits that make us human beings. Artistes are playing a key role here in bringing up a sane generation and thus building the nation.