Abdullah al Mamun; 'The Legend of Media'

Abdullah Al Mamun was a renowned playwright, actor and filmmaker of Bangladesh. He was born on July 13, 1942, in Jamalpur District. He completed his honours and masters in history from Dhaka University. Mamun wrote his first stage play, Niotir Parihas, in 1950. Subsequently, under the guidance of Shaheed Muneir Chowdhury, he further developed his skills as a playwright, director and actor. He was associated with the then Pakistan Television (PTV), later renamed Bangladesh Television (BTV), from its very start in 1965. Mamun wrote 25 dramas and seven novels, an autobiography Amar Ami and a travelogue Manhattan. His literature mostly depicts the middle-class lifestyle of Bangladesh. Ekhono Kritadas, Tomari, Amader Sontanera, Kokilara, Bibisab, Meraj Fakirer Maa and Mayik Master are few of his popular plays. His another important drama was Doyeler Sansar based on the short story Doyeler Sansar written by Anirudha Alam broadcast by BTV. Mamun founded drama group Theatre (Bailey Road) and was an adviser to quarterly magazine Theatre. Plays produced by Mamun include Songsoptok, Pathar Somoy, Jibon Chhobi and Baba.

 

Abdullah Al Mamun was also an established filmmaker. He made his debut as a filmmaker with Angikar in 1972 and earned much critical acclaim for movies like Sareng Bou, released in 1978. His other acclaimed films include Ekhoni Somoy, Dui Jibon, Sokhi Tumi Kaar and Bihanga.

Mamun served many important positions in several civil admin roles including deputy director general of BTV, director general of the National Institute of Mass Communication (Nimco) and director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. He won many awards including the prestigious Ekushey Padak, National Film Award and Bangla Academy Award.

He began his acting career in an early age and rode high in all mediums—cinema, theatre, TV and radio.In observance of the 69th birth anniversary of late theatre icon Abdullah Al Mamun, a three-day Abdullah Al Mamun Janmoutsab, by Theatre, one of the leading theatre troupes of the country, concludes today at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA).

We lost him few years ago.Mamun died on August 21, 2008 in Dhaka.Absence of him there is a gape in our important sectors.Now his coworkers are also feeling very bad without him to do their works.They always remember him.Many play directors follow his plays,movies etc.We are also inspired to see his famous plays,writing etc.He stills in our heart with his services,works which he served many important and many several sectors.His contributions to the cultural scene of Bangladesh are yet to be surpassed by any. He might not be here with us here physically, but he will always be here with us through his works and in our prayers.