On the big screen, he was sometimes a romantic hero, sometimes a young man fighting against adversity and sometimes the voice of ordinary people.
But beyond all those identities, audiences will always remember him as ‘Mia Bhai’.
Actor, director and producer Farooque remains one of the most beloved figures in Bangladeshi cinema.
Today marks his birth anniversary. Had he been alive, the legendary actor would have turned 78.
Born on 18 August, 1948, Farooque died on 15 May, 2023, while undergoing treatment in Singapore. After spending nearly eight years receiving medical care there, his life came to an end at the age of 75.
Although he is no longer physically present, the actor continues to live on through his films, characters and the memories he left behind.
On his birth anniversary, Farooque’s wife Farhana Pathan recalled him with emotion.
“It is still very difficult for me to accept that Farooque is no longer beside us. I will spend the rest of my life holding on to his memories,” she said.
“We will all visit his grave today. Prayers have also been arranged for him. Please keep him in your prayers.”
Unlike many celebrities, Farooque did not enjoy celebrating his birthday with cakes and festivities.
According to his wife, he never liked cutting a cake on his birthday and maintained the habit throughout his life.
Farooque was involved in several fields beyond acting. He also worked as a producer and businessman and was active in politics.
He became involved with the Awami League during his student years and remained associated with the party throughout his life.
At the time of his death, he was serving as the Member of Parliament for Dhaka-17.
Farooque made his cinematic debut with Jolchhobi, directed by H Akbar.
He soon established himself as one of the leading actors of Bangladeshi cinema, appearing in a wide range of commercially successful and critically acclaimed films.
His characters ranged from romantic heroes to determined young men and representatives of the common people.
His performances eventually earned him the National Film Award and several other honours.
The name ‘Mia Bhai’ became permanently associated with Farooque following the success of the film Mia Bhai.
What began as a screen identity gradually became his most enduring public persona, with colleagues and generations of audiences affectionately adopting the name.
Across more than five decades in the industry, Farooque became closely associated with an era, a generation and a distinctive chapter in Bangladeshi cinema.
In the final years of his life, prolonged illness kept him away from the screen. Yet his popularity never faded.
His classic films and memorable characters continue to find new audiences, ensuring that the beloved ‘Mia Bhai’ remains an enduring presence in the country’s cinematic memory.
