Veteran actor Prabir Mitra, a prominent figure in the Bangladeshi film industry, has been hospitalized due to severe health complications. Battling oxygen deficiency and other ailments, Mitra was admitted to a private hospital in Dhaka on December 22. His health has continued to decline over the past two weeks, prompting his family to seek urgent government intervention for advanced medical treatment.

The 80-year-old actor, whose career spans more than 400 films, has been suffering from multiple health issues. His son, Sifat Islam, shared the concerning update in an interview on Saturday, revealing that despite initial treatments, his father's condition has worsened significantly. "He is losing blood, and his platelet count is decreasing. There hasn't been much improvement, and things are getting worse," said Sifat.

Mitra, who initially received intensive care treatment, was later moved to a cabin but has since been transferred to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) as his health continued to deteriorate.

Sifat also expressed frustration with the lack of institutional support. "We are unable to reach out to the government or even the Film Artistes' Association for help. We've tried to get the government's attention through the association, but we haven't been able to contact anyone," he said. Sifat's appeal highlights the need for urgent governmental assistance. "We hope the state will take note of this and provide support for his advanced treatment. He has given so much to the film industry; we want him to receive the respect and care he deserves while he's still alive."

Mitra's family has been tirelessly trying to reach out for help, but the situation has been compounded by the inaccessibility of key members of the Film Artistes' Association. Sifat noted, "Today, Anjana Aunty passed away. Many people attended her Janaza at the FDC (Bangladesh Film Development Corporation), and through several individuals, we tried to contact the association. Unfortunately, many of the people who had close ties with my father are either abroad or not reachable within the country."

The family's call for help comes as Prabir Mitra's illustrious career remains an integral part of Bangladesh's cultural history. Born on August 18, 1943, in Chandina, Cumilla, Mitra spent his formative years in Old Dhaka, where his passion for acting began to flourish. His early love for the stage was sparked during his school days, performing in Rabindranath Tagore's iconic play "Dakghar".

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Prabir Mitra hospitalised as health deteriorates

Mitra made his silver screen debut in 1969 with "Jolchhobi", directed by H Akbar. However, the film was not released until January 1, 1971. Despite initially playing lead roles, Mitra found lasting success as a character actor, captivating audiences with his depth, versatility, and innate ability to breathe life into complex roles. His performances in films such as "Titash Ekti Nadir Naam", "Jibon Trishna", "Fariyad", "Rokto Shopoth", "Charitrohin", "Angaar", and "Fakir Majnu Shah" are considered cinematic landmarks.

Prabir Mitra's contributions to the film industry are undeniable, and the family hopes for a dignified response from both the state and the industry that once celebrated his immense talent.