Actors Equity mourns death of Shams Suman

Actors Equity Bangladesh has expressed deep grief over the death of National Award-winning actor Shams Suman, who died yesterday (Tuesday) evening while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was 50.

In a statement, the organisation said its current executive committee’s vice-president and a beloved colleague, Shams Suman “left for the eternal abode” at around 6:30 pm yesterday (March 17).

The actor’s death was confirmed to The Daily Star by his younger brother, Shobhon. He had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Dhanmondi.

Suman was serving as station chief at Radio Bhumi at the time of his death.

In its condolence message, Actors Equity Bangladesh prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family. Colleagues remembered him as a dedicated artiste and a sincere human being.

The organisation had announced that his funeral prayers were held at 10am on March 18 at the Channel i premises, where colleagues, admirers, and well-wishers gathered to pay their respects.

His death has cast a pall of grief over the country’s cultural sphere. Over a long career, Suman built a presence across stage, television, and film, earning the respect of both peers and audiences.

He first rose to prominence through television dramas before expanding into theatre and cinema. Known for restrained, naturalistic performances, he belonged to a generation of actors who moved fluidly between mediums, helping shape Bangladesh’s screen culture through the late 1990s and 2000s.

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In recent years, he had stepped away from regular television appearances.

His film credits include “Mon Janena Moner Thikana” (2016), “Cox’s Bazar e Kakatuya” (2016), “Chokher Dekha” (2016), “Priya Tumi Sukhi Hou” (2014), “Ayna Kahini” (2013), “Hello Amit” (2012), “Nomuna” (2008), “Bidrohi Padma” (2006), and “Joyjatra” (2004).

In 2008, he received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Swapno Puron”.

Suman was also associated with the recitation group Swanan at the University of Rajshahi, where he developed his early grounding in performance.

Though less visible in recent years, his body of work remains tied to a formative period in Bangladeshi acting.