Celebrated actor, elocutionist and cultural personality Syed Hasan Imam turns 80 today. Born in 1935 in Burdwan in the Indian state of West Bengal, Hasan Imam has an illustrious acting career spanning over five decades. Not just that, he is well-respected for his contributions to the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra and Liberation War of 1971.

Marking the birthday of the actor, Hasan Imam Jonmo Udjapon Parishad will hold a programme titled “Neel Chhoya Kingbodonti” at Shawkat Osman Auditorium of Central Public Library in the capital this evening.

Hasan Imam, a popular film hero of a lost era, walked down memory lane to recall his early days and the turbulent times when he entered into the film industry of then East Pakistan.

“Much to the dismay of my elders, I was very errant during childhood. There were several instances when I fractured my legs and hands. One day our teacher caught me by the ears and took me straight to my mother. She was so frustrated at my behaviour already, that she told my teacher that he shouldn't have come all the way, but should have taught me a lesson then and there.”

Sharing another interesting anecdote, Imam said, “During class, one day, out of sheer curiosity, I lit a cigarette, that also at my friends' prodding. Guess what happened next? One of our neighbours saw me and once again I was dragged by him to my uncle. My uncle rebuked me and from that day onwards I have never taken a puff.”

“Instead of introducing myself as an actor I would call myself an activist as I was involved with leftist politics and nationalist movements during the pre-Liberation era. I was active, carrying out protest rallies and chanting slogans. Often my producers would say, 'Don't go to rallies, it'll harm your glamorous image as an actor.' But I didn't care and played an active role in the movement,” said the actor.

Asked about his foremost achievement, the actor replied, “I fought for the country in our Liberation War which is, to me, the greatest achievement of my life. If you ask me how I feel when I look back, I would say I have lived a good life. I lived an honest life.”

Hasan Imam started his film career in 1961 with feature film “Dharapat”. After that came a string of successful films, including “Raja Elo Shohorey”, Shiit Bikel”, “Janajani”, “Ujala”, “Kagojer Nouka”, “Anarkoli”, “Ghuddi” and “Sareng Bou”.

Hasan Imam tried his hand in direction too. He directed his first film “Lalon Fakir” in 1972, followed by “Lal Sobuj-er Pala” and “Obichar”.

At 80, Hasan Imam is still an emblem of acting excellence. He is a regular face on television.