Khan Ataur Rahman was one of the most influential filmmakers in post-independence Bangladesh. He was simultaneously an actor, director, lyricist, composer, music director, singer, filmmaker, screenwriter, storyteller and producer.
A polymath, this genius was remembered on Monday (December 1) on the 28th anniversary of his death. He passed away in 1997 at the age of 68.
Khan Ata was born on December 11, 1928, in Manikganj. While in the third grade, he won first place in a Dhaka district music competition, marking the start of his journey in the cultural field. After completing his secondary education at Dhaka Collegiate School and higher secondary at Dhaka College, he enrolled at Dhaka Medical College in 1946.
However, his innate bohemian nature and intense passion for acting repeatedly diverted his path. At one point, he even attempted to run away from home but was caught at Phulbari railway station by a family member. With their persuasion, he eventually left medical studies and enrolled at Dhaka University.
Yet, even at Dhaka University, he could not settle. In 1946, he received a photography scholarship in London, but did not go. In 1949, chasing his dream of acting, he moved to Mumbai, wandering the streets in search of work. He also worked as a trainee cameraman under Jal Irani at Jyoti Studio.
In 1950, he joined Karachi Radio as a newsreader, where he developed a close relationship with Fateh Lohani, which further deepened his interest in the arts. Driven by his love for cinema, he frequently traveled to Lahore, where he trained under sarangi player Jawahari Khan.
In 1952, after Fateh Lohani went to London, Khan Ata reached London aboard a Polish ship. There, he became active in music, acting and theater. He developed a close association with the artist S.M. Sultan and assisted in organizing his exhibitions.
Later, he enrolled in theater at the City Literary Institute and, with a UNESCO scholarship, went to the Netherlands. Upon returning, he worked in London with the Royal Theater, Unity Theater and other groups, and also spent some time with the BBC.
Returning to Bangladesh in 1957, he began working as a lyricist, music director, reciter and actor at Pakistan Observer and later at Radio Pakistan. His acting career began in 1959 with the Urdu film ‘Jago Hua Savera’, in which he played the role of Anis.
That same year, he appeared in his first Bengali film, ‘Ei Desh Tomar Amar’, directed by Ehtesham. He went on to act in numerous films, including ‘Kokhono Asheni’, ‘Je Nodi Moru Pothe’, ‘Sonar Kajol’, ‘Jibon Thekey Neya’ and ‘Sujon Sokhi’.
His first work in music was also for ‘Ei Desh Tomar Amar’. The song ‘Pothe Pothe Dilam Chhoriya Re’ from the 1962 film ‘Surjosnan’ gained popularity. In 1963, he won an award for his music composition and lyrics in ‘Kacher Dewal’.
He also regularly directed music for Urdu films. His song ‘E Khacha Bhangbo Ami Kemon Kore’ from ‘Jibon Theke Neya’, sung by him, remains immortal. Later, he created countless songs, including ‘E Ki Sonar Aloy’ and ‘Ek Nodi Rokto Periye’ establishing himself as a unique lyricist with nearly 500 songs to his name.
His directorial debut was ‘Onek Diner Chena’ (1963). Other notable films he directed include ‘Saat Bhai Champa’, ‘Arun Barun Kironmala’, ‘Jowar Bhata’, ‘Hisab Nikash’ and ‘Parash Pathar’. Toward the end of his life, he directed the Liberation War-based film ‘Ekhono Onek Raat’. He also produced documentaries on prominent figures such as Jasim Uddin and Abbas Uddin.
Films like Nawab ‘Sirajuddoula’ (1967) and ‘Jibon Theke Neya’ (1970) brought him wide recognition. He won his first National Film Award for Best Screenplay for ‘Sujon Sokhi’ (1975). Later, he earned the National Film Award for Best Music Director and Best Lyricist for ‘Ekhono Onek Raat’ (1997).
