Looking back at Amjad Hossain’s legacy

Renowned director Amjad Hossain passed away on December 14, 2018. Today marks his second death anniversary.

Amjad Hossain's classic, "Golapi Ekhon Train E", is one of the most prominent films of Bangladesh, among many others.

Golapi Ekhon Train E.

The twelve-time National Film Award winner won several accolades throughout his life, including the Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Literary Award and Agroni Bank Shishu Shahitya Puroshkar, among many others.

Amjad Hossain was also an actor, a scriptwriter and a lyricist. He was involved in the field of literature and theatre from the 50s. He entered the film industry by acting in the film, "Tomar Amar", directed by Mohiuddin and then in "Harano Din", directed by Mostafiz.  Later, director Salahuddin made a film on his play "Dharapat", in which Amjad Hossain played the lead role.

Amjad Hossain also collaborated with Zahir Raihan and worked on different projects. His memorable acting project with Zahir Raihan was the film, "Behula", for which he was the scriptwriter as well. Later, he wrote the script for the acclaimed film, "Jibon Theke Neya", jointly with Zahir Raihan.

Noyonmoni

Amjad Hossain's career as a director started with the film "Agun Niye Khela", where he worked as an assistant. His solo directorial debut was with the film, "Julekha". He went on to direct several award-winning films, such as "Bhaat De", "Dui Poyshar Alta", "Jonmo Theke Jolchi", "Balyo Bandhu", "Koshai", "Noyonmoni", "Shundori", and "Hiramoti". The celebrated film on the Liberation War, "Abar Tora Manush Ho" was based on a story by Amjad Hossain.

He was also the founding Secretary General of Bangladesh Film Directors' Association.

"Hayre Kopal Mondo Chokh Thakite Ondho," "Achen Amar Moktaar Achen Amar Barrister", "Keu Konodin Amare Toh Kotha Dilo Na", "Ekbar Jodi Keu Bhalobashto", and "Baba Bole Gelo Ar Konodin Gaan Koro Na" are some popular songs written by Amjad Hossain.

Amjad Hossain (R) in ‘Jobbar Ali’.

He also wrote several short stories, novels, children's stories and Liberation War books. "Dhrupodi Ekhon Train E", "Ami Ebong Koyekti Poster", "Uttorkaal", "Rokter Daalpala", "Juddhojatrar Ratri", "Raam Rohim", and "Maulana Bhashani'r Jibon O Rajniti" among many other novels, are his notable works. The novel, "Uthon", was published after his demise.

The director wrote several plays, and directed and acted in numerous television projects in his illustrious career. The popular Eid show, "Jobbar Ali", was written by Amjad Hossain. He also played the lead role of Jobbar Ali in it.

"People like Amjad Hossain are immortal, they live among us through their  creations," shares renowned actor Babita, who worked on several projects with the director.

Amjad Hossain's demise left a void in our film industry, but his legacy continues  through his films, books and songs.

Translated by Rasheek Tabassum Mondira