’Aly Zaker’s absence is still hard to fathom’

Renowned television actor and thespian Aly Zaker is a household name, resounding through the hearts of the audience for decades, with his brilliant stage and screen presence. Be it acting or directing, the Ekushey Padak awardee's contribution to defining the culture and art scene of the country remains unparalleled.

Today marks the 77th birth anniversary of the legendary artiste, his first after he passed away on November 27, 2020. He had succumbed to his long and hard battle against cancer, and had also tested positive for Covid-19. 

The star has garnered his career with many prestigious awards, including the Bangabandhu Award, Noren Biswas Padak, Munir Chowdhury Medal, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award, Medal, Meril Prothom-Alo Lifetime Achievement Award, and The Daily Star- Standard Chartered Lifetime Achievement award, among many others.

Aly Zaker first appeared on stage with Aranyak Natya Dal in Mamunur Rashid's play, "Kabor".

"During the Liberation War, while we were in Kolkata, I once asked Aly Zaker what he would do after the war ends. He said he wants to join theatre," shares Mamunur Rashid. After the war, Rashid approached Zaker for the play.

"We cannot even fathom that Aly Zaker is no longer with us," he shared. "His absence is still hard to fathom. It is his birthday, and it pains my heart when I speak about him now. Be it as a person, or as an actor, he was amazing!"

Being one of the founding members of Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, one of the pioneers in this field, Aly Zaker's directorial ventures "Dewan Gazir Kissa", "Nurul Din-er Shara Jibon", and "Galileo" are still praised during dinner table discussions and theatre circles. His other works as a director includes "Macbeth" "Toilo Sankat", "Ei Nishiddho Polli Te", "Baki Itihash", and "Ocholayoton", among many others. A few of his exemplary films include "Lalsalu", "Nodir Naam Modhumoti" and "Rabeya", amongst many others.

Born in 1944, the Freedom Fighter is remembered for his impeccable performance in the Humayun Ahmed directorial tele-fictions "Bohubrihi" and "Aaj Robibar".

"His absence is an irreversible loss to us," says eminent actor Abul Hayat. "We were like a family."

"He gave his all to the theatre, and never expected anything in return. His contribution to television dramas is also undeniable," he adds.

His "Aaj Robibar" co-actor Faruque Ahmed also shares his experience of working with him. "I used to address Aly Zaker as 'Mama', and the audience would go crazy every time Mama slapped Moti, the character I played," shares the actor. "The audience still enjoys our performances together."

"He was a kind soul, and a library of knowledge to learn from. It still feels like yesterday that we had a chat," adds Faruque Ahmed. Aly Zaker tied the knot to renowned cultural persona, Sara Zaker. Their son, Iresh Zaker is a noted television face today.

In honour of the legendary artiste, Nagorik Natya Sampradaya will host a celebration programme today at the Jatiya Natyashala of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, which starts at 7 pm. Eminent guests, colleagues and family members of Aly Zaker will attend the programme.

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Translated by Akhlakur Rahman