Mustafa Monwar’s spirit lives on in songs, puppetry

It was a celebration filled with songs, dance and puppetry. But more than a birthday programme, it was a tribute to the life and legacy of artist, puppeteer and cultural personality Mustafa Monwar. The event marked his 91st birth anniversary but was the first such celebration since his death on June 29.

Titled “Rong, Rekha, Kolpona o Nandonikotar Aajibon Sadhok”, the event was organised by Multimedia Puppet Theatre in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at the academy yesterday evening. Through performances and reflections, the programme paid tribute to the illustrious career of the renowned cultural personality.

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Monwar’s former colleagues and students fondly remembered his contribution to the cultural landscape of the country.

Born on September 1, 1935, his career spanned painting, puppetry, television production and cultural activities, with his work on children’s programmes leaving a lasting impression on generations of viewers.

In 2004, Monwar was awarded the Ekushey Padak for his contribution to art and culture.

Children featured prominently in the programme, including through puppet presentations featuring Monwar’s popular characters Gittu and Parul, reflecting his longstanding work in children’s television and puppetry.

Former BTV director general Md Mahbubul Alam delivered the keynote address, recalling Monwar’s contribution to Bangladesh Television and his work as a programme-maker and mentor.

A children’s performance of Rabindranath Tagore’s “Akash Bhora Surjo Tara, Bishwa Bhora Pran” reflected Monwar’s well-known admiration for Tagore.

Veteran artist Monirul Islam, one of Monwar’s former students, recalled his teacher’s approach to painting and influence on younger artists. He recounted how Monwar had given him a brush during his student days after noticing his interest in it and recognised the same brush years later in Spain.

Actor and artist Nima Rahman recalled Monwar’s role as a mentor throughout her childhood and artistic career and recited Golam Mostofa’s poem “Palki Chole Re”.

The programme also featured dances directed by Irene Parveen Lopa, a children’s performance of “Aha Ki Anondo Akashe Batase”, and performances by Subhashree and Urmimala with the Upamaya Dance Group.

Multimedia Puppet Theatre staged “Matro Ekti” and “Bera”, followed by a presentation on puppetry.

Shibani Saha, director of the Fine Arts Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Firoz Mahmud Chowdhury also addressed the programme.

Monwar’s wife Mary Monwar, president of Multimedia Puppet Theatre, delivered the vote of thanks.