Shimul Yousuf looks back

Renowned thespian Shimul Yousuf has been a cultural icon since the pioneering years of Bangladesh's theatre scene. Having joined Dhaka Theatre in 1974, the troupe has triggered many artistic movements within the world of stage-acting, many of which have become part of national mainstream theatre today. To commemorate her birthday celebrations, The Daily Star has reached out to the cultural activist regarding her life in the theatre, and more.

What are your thoughts on this special day and what do you hope for yourself?

Shimul Yousuf: Good health. I would like to keep working for many more years, which would not be possible otherwise.

As the years went by, how have birthdays changed for you? Which year have you made the fondest birthday memories?

Shimul Yousuf: My fiftieth birthday was quite remarkable. There was a grand birthday surprise, and it had me floored as I had no idea. The day also marks some bittersweet memories as Selim al Deen, who is no more today, was in attendance with his wife. Sanjeeb da, another loved one lost--had sung on the occasion, along with other old friends who have departed the world. The memories of this day continue to linger fresh in my mind. Other than that, I have always kept my birthday celebrations low-key. It's a different matter when members of my troupe and other cultural activists make a grand occasion out of it, which I undoubtedly enjoy immensely. I love being greeted with birthday wishes as well, and that is something I invariably look forward to.

As a singer, thespian and director, at what stages in your life did you begin to identify yourself in these different forms of artistic expression?

Shimul Yousuf: I was raised in a household that took conscientious steps towards cultural development. Whatever was required to make one culturally sound, my family made sure we had gotten it. And that is why at the tender age of 7 in 1964, I was the recipient of the President Award. 1964 was also the birth of television in Bangladesh, and since then I have been actively involved in children's programmes, working under the guidance of Mustafa Monwar. It then dawned on me that, since television is audio-visual, his training ensured we had all the necessary skills to work in front of the camera, whether it is in recitation, song, dance and acting.

Over the years, how has the world of theatre changed?

Shimul Yousuf: We have mainly worked on a distinct form at Dhaka Theatre, known as “jatiyo nattya angeek”. Over the years I have noticed a shift towards the roots and traditional origins. We call these plays 'hajaar bochchorer oitijjhyo,' set in mythical or ancient times. When Selim al Deen turned his efforts to such plays, we saw so much scope to draw from, that the question remained of how much we can translate on stage and work with these forms. There have been other forms of plays which we had brought to attention in the '80's and '90s that have become mainstream theatre today.

What are your goals for the future?

Shimul Yousuf: I have not been on stage for a couple of months due to health reasons, and therefore my goal is to stay healthy so that I may be able to work.