Remembering the freedom fighter turned filmmaker, Chashi Nazrul Islam
Can you imagine Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a movie? That is exactly what happened in 1973, on the set of the movie "Sangram". The man behind this unimaginable feat was one of the finest directors of Bangladesh, Chashi Nazrul Islam.
Today would have been the 81st birthday of the legend.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Chashi Nazrul Islam began his career with an office job. On the side, he was a part of the theatre organisation "Krishti Sangha". Soon, he would begin working on radio programmes, getting his big breakthrough in the year 1964, getting an opportunity to assist Director Obaidul Huq on "Dui Diganta".
However, the feature film that made Chashi Nazrul Islam immortal was "Ora Egaro Jon"— the first Bangladeshi movie to be released after the independence. Being a freedom fighter himself, Islam based this movie on the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
The lead actor of this historical drama, Kamrul Alam Khan Khosru, was a freedom fighter as well. The movie aptly captured the turmoil that the Liberation War brought into the personal lives of people, the psychological and material loss they endured, and the desire for independence sprouting in the Bangladeshis.
So successful was this movie, that it blurred the lines of fiction and reality in the minds of its audience, being synonymous to the spirit of our independence.
The patriotic spirit he kindled was reflected in his other films as well. "Sangram", the movie which featured the cameo of Bangabandhu, is based on a plot where Bengali officers within the Pakistani army revolted against the regime. Here, too, the plotlines are inspired from real-life events. It introduces the audience with the inner lives of the brave fighters who risked everything to earn our freedom.
The last scene of "Sangram" shows the Bangladesh Army honouring Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Islam wanted Bangabandhu to represent himself in the movie, so he, along with Khosru—who was also in the film—visited Bangabandhu to request him to be in the movie.
Bangabandhu initially declined the offer. However, upon the persuasion of Abdul Mannan, he eventually agreed. The influence and status of Chashi Nazrul Islam, and the regard everyone held for him, is very evident from this incident.
The themes in Islam's movies were wide ranging. But his patriotic movies are the ones that the audiences loved the most. "Padma Meghna Jamuna", "Dhrubo Tara", "Megher Pore Megh" and "Hangor Nodi Grenade", are some of the iconic films created by Islam. These movies are etched deeply into the public imagination, and are noted as some of the best works done on Bangladesh's Liberation War.
Islam was also very apt in capturing the folk myths on screen. "Behula Lakhindor" and "Hason Raja" are still very relevant to the Bangladeshi mystical tradition. He was a maestro at blending audience's demands with creative genius. Islam also rarely hesitated to portray melodrama, as per the demands of the plot, but was also cautious to never overdo it.
His movies "Shasti", " Shubha", and "Devdas", showcased his skills in capturing legendary literature on camera. Despite the utmost popularity of these original literary works, Islam never disappointed his fans. His portrayals only pumped up the existing love for these characters and stories.
Islam was extremely progressive in movie making, never hesitating to depict the dynamics of true human nature. His portrayal of womanhood, and the social confinement women endure in the context of our culture, are indeed unparalleled. The duality of village life, absurdities of superstitions, as well as the open-minded views of religion, was beautifully captured by him.
Chashi Nazrul Islam, the man who made Bangabandhu act in a film, was truly an unmatched gem in the history of Bangladeshi cinema. Happy birthday maestro!
Comments