BANGLADESH

Actor Humayun Faridee's favourite quote was 'live and let others live.'

After keeping audiences entranced for 25 years with his acting prowess in television dramas, movies and theatres, the 60-year-old Faridee finally made his concluding bow to the world stage on Monday.

The popular actor who graced television dramas, movies and theatres with his varied performances died at her daughter's residence in Dhanmondi on Monday.

He had been ill for quite a few days.

A pall of gloom descended upon entertainment personalities who had celebrated his 60th birth anniversary on May 29 last year.

Winner of the National Film Award for his sterling performance in the film 'Matritwa' in 2004, Actor-director Faridee was born on May 29, 1952 in Dhaka's Narinda to ATM Nurul Islam and Begum Farida.

Passing his intermediate exams from Chandpur Government College, Faridee studied economics at Jahangirnagar University. He used to stay at the university's Al-Beruni Hall during his university days.

His acting career started on the stage, with Dhaka Theatre.

He acted in Bangladeshi cinema for over a decade. But it was on television that Faridee really left his indelible mark, appearing in countless dramas and series that became the staple diet of Bangladeshi audiences.

Patronised by filmmaker and director Nasiruddin Yousuf Bachchu, Faridee, a fifth batch student of economics department of Jahangirnagar University, started his career on the stage around the 1980s. Legendary playwright Selim Al-Din also ushered on his career on the stage.

He was one of the main organisers of the university's first ever drama festival in 1976.

Faridee brought to life a huge gallery of characters, and he went on to enjoy many successes on television and in the theatre. Being a member of Bangladesh's Village Theatre, his talents sparked throughout the whole country.Some of the most famous productions he took part in includes Selim Al-Din's Montasir Fantasy, Kirtonkhola, Keramot Mongol.

Making his debut with Atiqul Haque's "Nikhoj Shongbad", he went on to perform in TV plays like Nil Nakshar Shandhany (1982), Durbin die dekhun (1982), Bhangoner shabdha suni (1983), Bakulpur koto Dur (1985), Mohuar Mon (1986), Sat Ashmaner Shiri (1986), Akdin hohat (1986), Chanmiar negative positive (1986), Ojattra (1987), Songsaptak (1987-88), Pathar Shomoy (1989), Dui bhai (1990), Kothao Keu Nei (1990), Shiter Pakhi (1991), Shomudre Gangchil (1993), Tini Akjon (2005), Chandragrasto (2006), Kachher Manush (2006), Mohona (2006), Vober Hat (2007), and Srinkhal (2010).

His role as 'Kankata Ramzan' in a drama serial telecast on BTV, brought him enormous fame. He was equally versatile in roles of both protagonist and antagonist.

His last directed drama serial was 'Hemanta' and became ill while working in his last drama, 'Purna Chader Opurnatay.'

In the tele-play "Bhangoner Shobdo Shuni" his line "Ami toh jomi kini na, fani kini" ( I don't buy land, I buy water) became a favourite with the audience. His characterisation of Ramzan in "Shongshoptok" achieved legendary status.

Faridee also left his mark on the silver screen. Movies he acted in include: Hulia, Dohon, Shontrash, Bachelor, Joy Jatra, Shamolchaya, Bhohubrihi, Ekattorer Jishu, Mayer Morjada, and Aha!.

Anu Muhammad, a professor at economics department at Jahangirnagar University and a fellow classmate of Faridee, told on Monday that Faridee was a very talented and amiable person.

"His theatrical career basically started with the encouragement of Selim Al-Din," Anu said. During Faridee's student life, he and Selim Al-Din together organised drama festivals, published magazines, and arranged study-circles, he added.