I carry Ata bhai’s encouragement with me even today: Tariq Anam Khan
Veteran actor Tariq Anam Khan has long been active in stage theatre, television dramas, and films. He had known the recently departed actor and director Ataur Rahman for many years and had seen him closely over the decades. Ataur Rahman passed away last night.
Speaking to The Daily Star about him, acclaimed actor Tariq Anam Khan said, “Ataur Rahman was a deeply committed man. He worked with unwavering dedication throughout his life. He was one of our pioneers. He also held important responsibilities within the Group Theatre Federation and played a significant role in the practice of modern theatre.”
He added, “In 1968, Ataur Rahman and Zia Haider founded Nagarik Natya Sampradaya. After independence, many others joined the troupe. During the early years of theatre practice in Bangladesh, he directed plays and also acted in them. Perhaps around 1973 or 1974, I developed a close bond with him, and that connection lasted a lifetime.”
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“When I established Natyakendra, Ataur Rahman came to visit us once while we were forming the board and recruiting new members. At that time, he encouraged me tremendously. That encouragement became a great source of inspiration for me. He also appreciated my direction and even wrote critical reviews of my work. All of this served as immense inspiration for me,” Tariq Anam Khan added.
Recalling their experience acting together in television dramas, Tariq Anam Khan said, “We acted together in television dramas. Ata bhai and I worked together in a serial titled ‘Lal Matir Kalo Dhoa’. It was a long time ago, and the drama was written by Selim Al Deen. Later, he also acted in our drama ‘Gulshan Avenue’. So, there is truly no end to the memories.”
Tariq Anam Khan concluded, “I am saddened by his passing. But this is the way life is — one must leave eventually. Still, the encouragement he gave me will always remain a source of inspiration.”
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