In 2024, we lost several prominent figures from the entertainment world. Though they have departed, their contributions to film, television, music, and dance will remain etched in our memories. Here are some of the individuals we lost this year:

Ahmed Rubel

On February 7, actor Ahmed Rubel passed away. He was supposed to attend the premiere of his film "Peyarar Subash", but collapsed after stepping out of his car. Rubel gained recognition for his role in the popular TV drama "Pret" on Ekushey Television, and appeared in Humayun Ahmed's "Shyamol Chhaya". His performance in "Ronger Manush", "69", and films like "Guerrilla", "Meghla Akash", "Alpha", and "Lal Moroger Jhuti" received widespread acclaim.

Zahidul Haque

Lyricist Zahidul Haque, who passed away on January 15 at the age of 75, penned many memorable songs, including "Amar Ei Duti Chokh Pathor To Noi," sung by Subir Nandi.

Sadi Mohammad

Renowned Rabindra Sangeet singer Sadi Mohammad passed away on March 13. Known for his deep devotion to music, Sadi was a respected teacher and composer. He studied Rabindra Sangeet at Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, and received numerous awards, including Channel i's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Rabindra Puraskar from the Bangla Academy in 2015.

Khalid

Khalid, a pioneering Bangladeshi pop singer from the 1980s and 1990s, was born in Gopalganj and passed away from a heart attack in Dhaka on March 18, 2024, at the age of 60. He gained fame as the lead vocalist of the band Chime and also enjoyed success as a solo artist. Khalid's soulful voice defined hits like "Shorolotar Protima," "Himaloy," and "Kono Karonei," as well as beloved tracks such as "Hoyni Jabar Bela" and "Jotokhon Megh Hole Brishti Name." His music continues to resonate with fans, cementing his legacy in Bangladeshi pop.

Rista Laboni Shimana
Actress Shimana passed away on June 4 at the age of 39. She started her career in 2006 with the Lux-Channel i Superstar competition and appeared in numerous dramas, films, and advertisements. She appeared in Tauquir Ahmed's film "Daruchini Dwip," which also featured her other contestants from that competition, and gained critical acclaim for her acting.

Waliul Haq Rumi
Actor Waliul Haq Rumi, who passed away from cancer on April 22, began his acting career in 1988 with the play "Kreetodash" and quickly made a name for himself with his debut in the television drama "Kon Kanoner Phool." Despite his battle with illness, he had hoped to return to acting. Rumi's notable works include popular dramas like "Suggestion Selim," "Bokashoka Tinjon," "Makeup Man," "Dhaka to Barishal," "Dhaka Metro Love," "Bap Beta Dourer Upor," and the iconic "Jamoj" sequels, leaving a lasting legacy in the Bangladeshi entertainment industry.

Shafin Ahmed

Shafin Ahmed, the iconic Bangladeshi rock bassist, singer-songwriter, and record producer, passed away on July 25 at the age of 63 while receiving treatment in Virginia, USA. As the lead vocalist and bassist for the legendary band Miles, which he joined with his brother Hamin Ahmed in 1979, Shafin became a defining figure in Bangladeshi rock music. His timeless hits, including "Chand Tara Surjo," "Phiriye Dao," "Neela," and "Prothom Premer Moto," have left an enduring legacy in the country's music scene.

Hassan Abidur Reja Jewel

On July 30, singer and director Hassan Abidur Reja Jewel passed away after an 11-year battle with cancer. His album "Ek Bikele" became a fan favourite following its release in 1993. His notable productions include "Amar Ache Ondhokar" (1995), "Ekta Manush" (1996), "Beshi Kichu Noy" (1998), "Bedona Shudhui Bedona" (1999), "Firtee Pothe" (2003), "Dorja Khola Bari" (2009), and "Emon Keno Holo" (2017). 

Shilpi Chakraborty

Filmmaker Shilpi Chakraborty, best known for his directorial film "Ujan Vati", passed away on March 7 at the age of 71 due to excessive bleeding at the National Hospital in Old Dhaka. Throughout his illustrious career, Chakraborty directed several notable films, including "Bini Shutar Mala", "Amar Adalat", "Tomar Jonno Pagol", "Shobar Ojante", "Chorompotro", and "Mimangsha". His contributions to Bangladeshi cinema left a lasting mark on the industry, earning him recognition as a pioneering filmmaker.

Moni Kishore

Moni Kishore, a prominent singer from the 90s, was found dead in his home on October 19. Known for timeless hits like "Ki Chile Amar Bolo Na" and "Phul Jhure Tara Jhure", Kishore lent his voice to over 500 songs and composed around 20. Despite being a registered artiste with radio and television, he recorded only a few songs and largely focused on audio releases. His other popular songs include "Sei Duti Chokh", "Tumi Sudhu Amari Jonno", "Mukhe Bolo Bhalobaso", and "Ami More Gele". His most cherished song, "Ki Chile Amar", was both composed and written by him.

Masud Ali Khan

Ekushey Padak-winning actor Masud Ali Khan passed away on October 31 at 95, leaving behind a distinguished career across stage, television, film, and radio. A founding member of Drama Circle, he gained national fame for his roles in films like "Dui Duari", "Dipu Number 2", "Matir Moyna", and the BTV drama "Kul Nai Kinar Nai". Known for his iconic performances in series like "Kothao Keu Nei" and "Ei Sob Din Ratri", Khan's contributions earned him the Meril-Prothom Alo Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jamal Uddin Hossain

Television and stage actor Jamal Uddin Hossain, who was awarded the Ekushey Padak, passed away on October 12 in Calgary, Canada, at the age of 81. He founded the Nagorik Natya Sampradaya. 

Shujeo Shyam
Music director Shujeo Shyam, a key figure of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, died on October 17. He was honoured with the Ekushey Padak in 2018 and the Shilpakala Padak in 2015 for his contributions to music.

Abu Zafar

Celebrated lyricist, composer, and musician, Abu Zafar, passed away on December 5. Among his notable works is the song "Ei Padma Ei Meghna," which ranked in BBC's top 20 Bangla songs of all time.

Papia Sarwar
Renowned Rabindra Sangeet singer Papia Sarwar was another invaluable loss to the cultural community this year.