Awards may mark a career, but for veteran actor, playwright and director Abul Hayat, the greatest honour has always come from the people.
As he turns 82 on 7 September, he says their love and respect remain more precious than any award.
“I have received many awards in life. But nothing compares with the love and respect I have received from ordinary people. I want to live amid that love and continue acting with it in my heart until the last day of my life,” Abul Hayat said about his acting career ahead of his birthday.
He does not usually make special plans for the day. His family celebrates at home. His granddaughter Shreyoshi also shares the date as her birthday.
“I never make any special plans for my birthday. I spend the day with my family. It is also my granddaughter Shreyoshi’s birthday. As soon as the clock strikes midnight, I call her, and they call me too. From midnight, relatives, colleagues and well-wishers also call or send messages to wish me,” he said.
A few days ago, Abul Hayat published his autobiography, Robi Poth. The book runs to more than 300 pages and took him nearly 10 years to write. Through it, he has documented important phases of his life. His elder daughter, actress Bipasha Hayat, designed the cover.
Meanwhile, Abul Hayat recently returned to the screen with the drama Sare Tin Hat Mati, directed by Mohin Khan.
A recipient of the Ekushey Padak and National Film Award, Abul Hayat has spent decades acting, writing plays and directing. His distinguished career has stretched across theatre, television and cinema.
