Abdul Ali Lalu: Combining humour with sensibility

A well-known face in the cultural circuit, Lalu was born in 1932 in Mymensingh. He embarked on stage performance at the age of 11 in a play of Kohinoor Dramatic Associ-ation directed by his father and since than he has never looked back.

Lalu was a founding member of the group 'Modern theatre', which was established in 1943. From then on he became an indispensable figure in the theatre scene of Mymensingh. He also carved a niche as the first Muslim member of the prestigious organisation Amoraboti, which was run by Hindu zamindars. Eventually he moved to Dhaka. He began his film career with Shurjasnan, directed by Salahuddin in 1932.

In 1966, he began working as a TV performer in Ghoroa and later he gained immense popularity with his catch phrase Koinsen dehi (Can you tell me?) in Jodi Kichhu Mon-e Na Koren. Lalu also made a mark in other TV magazines such as Ityadi, Shubhechha and Bahurupi.

Astounding though it may sound, his career in film industry spanned over three decades from the early 1960s. With roles in more than 100 films, Lalu became popular by combining humour with sensibility and excelled in stirring emotions of the viewers. In fact, his brief appearances on the screen could not be ignored and were well appreciated by the audience. He made significant appearances in the films of black and white era. His acting skill, however, came to the fore in films like Dui Diganta, Raja Elo Shohorey, Sat Rong, Janajani, Nach Ghar, Dharapat, Rupbaan, Rahim Badsha, Abanchhito, Rongbaz, Sonali Akash, Gunaibibi and others.

During the Liberation War, the Pakistani army tortured Lalu, suspecting that he might be operating as an informer for the freedom fighters. This torture resulted in a permanent hearing impairment.

Over the last few years Lalu's condition has deteriorated. While talking to the The Daily Star he sought the help of his son. His son pointed out that they are so financially straitened that they cannot buy him a hearing aid.

It is unfortunate to see a talented artiste in dire straits. An artiste like Lalu who has entertained the audience for decades, deserves a helping hand. However, not many have stepped forward to help in his hour of need. Being paralysed, he is now bedridden. With no public attention, Lalu spends his last days in a dingy room in Mymensingh. He was never a 'big star' but a committed artiste. Perhaps this is the best time for all to stand beside him.

Says a despondent Lalu, "I have been in the cultural arena since my childhood and in fact, spent all my life here. The tragedy is that nobody remembers me now. I do not blame them -- when you're out of sight, you're out of mind. The show goes on with or without you."