Spraying life with charm
Wasef Wahed observes what once was
Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed needs no introduction. While most young people may know him as an academician and founder of a wonderful institution, Bishwa Sahitya Kendra, some of them also know how popular a TV host he was. And they know that because their elders have told them how they used to remain glued to their television sets to see Abdullah Abu Sayeed's programmes in the 1960s and 1970s. This book of his ---Amar Uposthapak Jibon---is a story of those magical days of his life as a television presenter.
The book is not only a tale of his own life but also narrates the history of four decades of Bangladesh's cultural arena as eminent writer Anisul Haq mentions it in the opening cover page of the book. The sorry state of Bangladesh Television (BTV) is something which needs no mentioning. Apart from becoming the mouthpiece of the government and consequently losing its neutrality and credibility, the insipid shows of BTV make it hard to believe that the state-run TV once produced such memorable shows as " Haar-Jeet", "Shoptobarna", "Choturongo",( all hosted by Abdullah Abu Sayeed) " Jodi Kichu Mone Na Koren" (hosted by Fazle Lohani), etc. And Sayeed mentions in his book that after independence the nationalisation policy of the government was responsible for the destruction of BTV's creativity. He writes that some of the creative producers from the Pakistan era like Mostofa Monowar managed to keep BTV alive for a while before it died in the mid 1980s and became just like any other government office (p.42). Sayeed reminds us that television came to Pakistan in 1964 and he writes that General Ayub Khan's intention was to fill people's evenings with entertainment so that they "become unaware about their reality" (p.43). Unlike the partisan "intellectuals" Sayeed's opinions reflect the truth and in this book he has not been afraid to speak the truth, however bitter it may sound to the vested groups.
As the book moves on readers will be introduced to the extreme limitations within which the crew of BTV had to work. And despite all these limitations, Abdullah Abu Sayeed managed to produce a fantastic riddle-based show-- "Shaptaborna." He writes in detail of the behind-the-scene tales centring on this show which eclipsed the popularity of even "Hawaii Five-O." Readers will be surprised to know that his health condition eventually deteriorated to such an extent due to the immense workload he took upon his shoulders for delivering such memorable episodes that he ultimately had to quit the show. The concept of a "magazine" programme gained familiarity and fame due to his hosting of "Anandamela." Abdullah Abu Sayeed also lets us know the nonchalant attitude of the BTV authorities when he planned to start an educational programme named "Maanchitra." He regrets the lack of enthusiasm among these same people who would be very energetic about his popular shows. This goes to show the dearth of foresight and knowledge of these people who could not understand Sayeed's noble and visionary plan. He also regrets the crass commercialisation television has been gripped by these days and that the sponsors back the low standard shows which are filled with cheap entertainment. And now in retrospect he wonders whether he should have continued with his anchorman job and not let these anti-cultural elements reign supreme in the world of television.
These days many private television channels have emerged and there are numerous television hosts. With a few exceptions most of these hosts lack the decency and sophistication possessed by Sayeed. They lack the scholarly knowledge and witty sense of humour that Sayeed had. Quantity and quality have not walked side by side. Sayeed's departure from television in 1982 was a big loss for the country. The country lost an opportunity to improve the taste of the masses. However, television hosts and all those involved with private channels can read this book and get some ideas and be inspired to present the people with some innovative and interesting shows. They can follow in his footsteps. As for BTV, it has already become like the alternative rock band incubus' song "Talk shows on mute".
For the generation who grew up in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, this book will surely make them nostalgic. This book will be a walk down memory lane for them. The excitement of those shows will to some extent ring in their hearts. The story of his failure in a radio audition test and yet eventually becoming so successful will be inspiring for the new generation. Also breathtaking will be the tale of his escape from captivity during 1971 due to the Pakistani officer being a fan of his shows!
Wasif Wahed is a student of economics at North South University, Dhaka.
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