Saturday, April 20, 2024
Veteran actor and eminent cultural personality Aly Zaker passed away while undergoing treatment for Covid-19 at a hospital in the capital on Friday. He was 76.
Cultural platform Sammilita Sangskritik Jote President Golam Kuddus confirmed the matter to the media.
He said Aly was admitted to Bangladesh Specialized Hospital with cardiac issues on November 17. He was undergoing treatment at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) where he breathed his last at 6:45am Friday.
"My father, Aly Zaker, passed away this morning at 6:40 after a four-year-long battle with cancer. Innalillahi Wa Innailahi Rajiun. We are ever grateful for your love and prayers," his son and actor Iresh Zaker wrote in a Facebook post.
He was two days earlier diagnosed with Covid-19 and was being treated for the infection as well, said Iresh.
Born on November 6, 1944, in Chattogram, Zaker is a freedom fighter and an artiste of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the liberation war of 1971. After independence, he started his journey as an actor and became one of the most successful on stage, television and silver screen through playing a wide variety of roles.
The actor was awarded the state award of Ekushey Padak in 1999 for his outstanding contribution to Bangladesh theatre.
Aly Zaker was the president of Nagorik Natya Sampradaya and directed and acted in several plays for Nagorik. He adapted plays by Moliere, Brecht, Zuckmayer, Chekov, Albee and Shakespeare.
He was a member of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.
Tributes poured in for the freedom fighter and eminent cultural personality.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Ekushey Padak recipient Aly Zaker.
In a condolence message, she said that the contribution of Aly Zaker in the great Liberation War, the country's arts and cultural arena will be remembered forever.
Sheikh Hasina prayed for the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.
Zaker’s career as a thespian began with theatre troupe ‘Aranyak Natyadal’ in 1972. He performed in Munier Chowdhury’s play ‘Kabar’ in the same year. Later, he joined Nagorik Natya Sampradaya the same year and remained with the troupe until his death.
He directed 15 plays and acted in 31 for his troupe till 2019, including Kopenik-er Captain, Galileo, Nurul Diner Sarajibon, Macbeth, Achalayatan, Dewan Gazir Kissa and more, to name a few. His performances in the role of Nurul Din, Galileo and Dewan Gazi earned him acclaim from critics and fans. He has also achieved prominence in television dramas including Aaj Rabibar, Bohubrihee and more.
The artist received Ekushey Padak, the country’s second-highest civilian award in 1999. He has also received Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award, Bangabandhu Award, Munier Chowdhury Award, Naren Biswas Award and many other accolades throughout his career.
Aly Zaker is survived by his family members including wife Sara Zaker, son Iresh Zaker and daughter Shriya Sharbojoya.
