Khan Ataur Rahman: A multifaceted Icon
The film depicted the frustration and agitation of the young freedom fighters in post-War Bangladesh. Through the film he transmitted the message that the young ones of the country should get rid of their illegal arms, return to study and devote themselves to nation building. The film won accolades -- the Best Script Award and Certificate of Merit at the Tashkent International Film Festival (1974).
In his role as director, he displayed a forte for folk, historical and contemporary urban stories to make films from. The first film made by Rahman was Onek Diner Chena (1963). Altogether he had directed 19 films including Raja Sanyasi, Parash Pathar, Shat Bhai Champa, Nawab Sirajuddowla, Lottery and Shujan Shakhi. He also took on the challenge of directing an Urdu film titled Soye Nadia Jage Pani, for which he also composed the music. His last film was Ekhon Onek Raat. He was the producer, director, scriptwriter, lyricist and music composer of the film.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Apart from filmmaking, he also acted in some films made by renowned directors. He first featured in the film Jago Hua Savera (1956), made by AJ Kardar, in the lead role opposite Tripti Mitra, a noted Indian actress. Jago Hua... was described by critics as "one of the first realistic and experimental films of Pakistan." The film won a prize at the Moscow film festival. Among his other critically acclaimed performances is Zahir Raihan's Jibon Thekey Neya, which documented the ongoing struggles of Bengalis against the Pakistani tyranny during the 'Mass Upsurge' of '69. He also composed music for the film, which became very popular, E khancha bhangbo ami kamon korey for example.
That's not all. Rahman wrote lyrics for some songs and composed music for all of them. In the latter category are songs from films Jey Nadi Moru Pathey, Kancher Deyal, Sangam and more. In sum, he wrote over 500 songs, many of which continue to appeal to listeners. To his credit, he also set new trends in lyrics and the style of composition of songs. As a lyricist and music director, Rahman received numerous awards in his lifetime -- for music director in the films Shurjasnan and Kancher Deyal he received the Pakistan Film Festival Award-1965. In 1980 he received best music director's award for music in Shujan Shakhi.
Rahman had also made some short films and documentaries and received awards for them. He passed away on January 1, 1997, leaving an irreparable void in the cultural scene of Bangladesh.