Eighteen years after the passing of legendary playwright Natyacharya Selim Al Deen, his influence on Bangladeshi theatre remains profound. 

Originally intended for release on his death anniversary, January 14, a special tribute video titled "Bohumatrik Selim Al Deen" will now be premiered tonight at 9pm on the official Facebook pages of Dhaka Theatre and Bangladesh Gram Theatre. 

The project has been months in the making and promises an intimate look at the life and work of one of Bangladesh's most celebrated dramatists.

The delay, though unexpected, allowed for greater refinement of the video, which offers a multi-layered portrait of Selim Al Deen. Featuring musical scores, dialogues, and rare archival footage, the one-hour-and-fifteen-minute production brings together memories from some of his most renowned works. Nasir Uddin Yousuff, a close collaborator and co-founder of Dhaka Theatre, shared his thoughts on this labour of appreciation.

"On January 14, we commemorated the 18th anniversary of Selim Al Deen's passing with a series of events. Unfortunately, we couldn't complete the video in time for the day. However, we've now put together a collection of music, dialogues, and visuals from his plays, incorporated with rare images and clips, creating a tribute worthy of his legacy," said the theatre personality. 

The feature, he explained, includes readings of Deen's original works, accompanied by personal anecdotes and reflections from those who knew him best.

"'Bohumatrik Selim Al Deen' is not just a retrospective; it's a reminder of the timeless nature of his creativity. For those who wish to revisit—or discover—his unparalleled contribution to theatre, this tribute offers a rare opportunity to connect with his artistic vision," concluded Yousuff.

The four-day commemoration surrounding his death anniversary saw several events, from a performance of "Nimajjan" on January 17, to a seminar focused on his body of work on January 18. While these events drew the admiration of theatre enthusiasts, the forthcoming video stands as the centrepiece, giving audiences an unprecedented glimpse into the genius of a playwright who revolutionised the Bangladeshi theatre scene.

Selim Al Deen's contribution to modern Bangla theatre cannot be overstated. His innovative narrative styles, rooted in rural Bengali life, have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. With this tribute, Dhaka Theatre and Bangladesh Gram Theatre seek to ensure that the late dramatist's works continue to inspire new generations.

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