Ekushey Padak and National Award winning actor A T M Shamsuzzaman was one of the most celebrated faced both on television and the silver screen. With time, he stepped into technicalities, establishing himself as a noted screenplay writer and director. Today marks the 80th birth anniversary of A T M Shamsuzzaman. Commemorating the actor's legacy, The Daily Star talks to noted personalities from the showbiz industry.

He was my friend and confidante till his last breath: Mamunur Rashid

I met A T M Shamsuzzaman in 1968 and became very close with him in a short time. I was the screenplay writer of "Shongshoptok", where he was cast in the memorable role of Ramzan. However, the production was halted due to the Liberation War.

After the war, we had the opportunity to work in many other notable productions. His choice of scripts and characters always mesmerised me but I feel, the industry could have given him more to rejoice on. An actor of his stature should have been utilised more by our makers.

He was my friend and confidante till his last breath, and most importantly, he was one of the most amazing performers in our industry.

Legends such as A T M Shamsuzzaman are born once in a lifetime: Salauddin Lavlu

Legends such as A T M Shamsuzzaman are born once in a lifetime. I don't feel I have the ability to critique his acting. His marvelous camera presence, commendable sense of improvisation, and deep understanding of his roles are what made him unique.

Alongside acting, he was one of the most knowledgeable people I have come across in my life. Being an avid reader, A T M Shamsuzzaman was no less than a human library, but he never expressed his knowledge, neither did he show off his achievements.

I had the privilege to work with him for over a decade, and I feel privileged that he has done most roles in my productions. He was as good as a writer as he was as an actor. His place can never be taken in this industry.

Artistes like A T M Shamsuzzaman never fade away: Rozina

I have worked in numerous films with A T M Shamsuzzaman, not just as a co-actor but also in his directorial ventures and in productions with his screenplay.

Now and then I look back into those memories. While his smiling face in my heart leaves me in nostalgia, his being not with us anymore leaves me with tears.

Artistes like A T M Shamsuzzaman never fade away.

His humility, righteousness, and sense of commitment have always inspired me: Riaz

A T M Shamsuzzaman is one of the most celebrated and prominent actors in our industry who haled shaped the face of Bangladeshi cinema. He has cast me in his productions multiple times and working with him has always left me with good memories and lessons worth remembering throughout my life.

I had visited him in the hospital when he fell sick. I still remember, he held my hand and had said "Don't worry, I will cast you in my new film soon." His last words remain as a promise in my mind.

He had once visited my residence too. Though he stayed only for a while, he managed to spread illuminate my house just with his pious presence. Seldom have I come across a person like him. His humbleness, righteousness, and sense of commitment have always inspired me.

Translated by Ashley Shoptorshi Samaddar