The death of National Film Award-winning actor Shams Sumon has cast a pall of grief over the country’s cultural arena, who is being revered by his colleagues with grief and gratitude.
The popular actor passed away at 6:45 pm on Tuesday (March 17) at a private hospital in the capital following a cardiac arrest, at the age of 61. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. His funeral was held at the Channel i premises at 11:00 am today (Wednesday).
Actor, producer and presenter Shahriar Nazim Joy expressed deep sorrow at the news. Sharing a photograph from a recent Iftar with Sumon, he wrote on Facebook: “We may have had Iftar together just a week ago.” He added that they spoke almost daily at Channel i.
Recalling their recent interactions, Joy noted that he had spent considerable time in conversation with Sumon over the past two months, gaining insight into his life and experiences.
“There were very few days when we didn’t speak on Channel i. In the last two months, I learned a great deal from him about the life he lived. I saw it from very close quarters,” he wrote. Reflecting on his passing during Shab-e-Qadr, Joy added, “You left on this holy day, brother. Inshallah, you will go to heaven.”
Actor Golam Farida Chanda wrote: “Shams Sumon bhai, how did this happen? I can’t believe you have left us like this.”
Actress Tahmina Sultana Mou shared a personal memory from the early 2000s, recalling how Sumon stepped in during a shoot when a co-actor abruptly left. She wrote: “You arrived by speedboat, boarded the launch and performed alongside a completely new artiste – that was me. You never hesitated to work with newcomers; instead, you supported them with confidence and trust. Since then, there have been so many works, so many memories. Today, I remember them all.”
Actress Bijori Barkatullah remembered him as the heart of on-set conversations. “You would fill long shooting days with laughter and stories, making the hardest schedules feel effortless. Your smile, perhaps it hid much more, will remain with those of us who knew you closely. May your eternal journey be peaceful,” she wrote.
For many, the news came as a profound shock. Actress Shahnaz Khushi wrote, “What did I just hear? Sumon bhai is no longer with us? None of us can believe this. Your smile will remain with us always.”
Actor Anisur Rahman Milon, who had known Sumon for decades, reflected on their long association. “I first worked with him in 1999. Until his last day, he remained the same: affectionate, generous with advice and full of life. His presence, his laughter, everything will be missed.”
Architect and filmmaker Enamul Karim Nirjhar expressed regret at not having been in recent contact. “I feel a sense of guilt. I had been meaning to call him but did not. Hearing of his passing has brought back a flood of memories,” he said.
He also recalled Sumon’s support during key moments in his work, including stepping into a central role for a theatre production in 2020 and contributing to his film ‘Nomuna’ (2008). “It is difficult to repay what he gave, both as an actor and as a collaborator,” he added.
The Actors’ Association of Bangladesh also issued a condolence message, noting that Sumon, a current vice-president of its executive council, passed away on Tuesday evening. The organisation prayed for the peace of his soul and extended sympathies to his bereaved family.
Colleagues across the industry have remembered him as a committed artiste and a warm, sincere individual whose presence will be deeply missed.
