Shilpakala Academy honours Syed Abdul Hadi with special tribute
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has presented a special honorary award to veteran musician Syed Abdul Hadi.
The honour was handed over to him by State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam on Friday evening at the National Theatre Hall of the Shilpakala Academy in the capital. The event, titled “Timeless Voice: Syed Abdul Hadi in Respect and Love,” was sponsored by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. After receiving the honorary memento, Syed Abdul Hadi expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. He said, “At the same time, I must say one thing. I have been deeply immersed in everyone’s generous praise, and I also feel a bit embarrassed. This is because I do not consider myself that deserving. The kind of praise you have expressed about me—what can I offer in return? I really have little to give.”
At one point, State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam told him that he could sing. Hearing the minister’s words, Syed Abdul Hadi burst into laughter. He replied, “If I were still singing now, I might have tried to repay this honour by singing just one song. But I have given up singing; I haven’t performed for a long time. Instead, I offer everyone my sincere love.”
In his speech as chief guest, Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam said, “We grew up listening to Hadi bhai’s songs. During our college days, we used to go to cinema halls. There was a wonderful match between his voice and the voices of the actors. That gave us joy and inspired us.”
In his speech as a special guest, Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Zahed It Rahman, said, “There used to be a film music programme called Chayachondo. In our childhood, we would wait to watch it on BTV. As the songs played, one Syed Abdul Hadi song after another would appear. We have heard many outstanding and extraordinary songs. In many cases, he has set the standard for us. Syed Abdul Hadi is truly that kind of person.”
The programme was presided over by Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Kaniz Mawla. Among others who spoke were Helal Khan, convener of the Jatiyatabadi Samajik O Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS), and Rezauddin Stalin, Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Also present was Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Secretary of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
At the beginning of the programme, a documentary was screened highlighting Syed Abdul Hadi’s long musical career, work, and contributions. Later, Abida Sultana, Foad Nasser Babu, Maksud Jamil Mintu, Monir Khan, and Rumana Islam spoke about Syed Abdul Hadi through video messages.
In the final segment of the programme, two of Syed Abdul Hadi’s widely popular songs, “Aachen Amar Moktar” and “Surjodoye Tumi, Surjasteo Tumi,” were performed in chorus. The entire auditorium was then filled with music, expressing admiration and love for the artiste.
Syed Abdul Hadi was born on July 1, 1940, in Shahpur village of Kasba upazila in Brahmanbaria district. He has received the National Film Award five times and was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2000.
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