The timeless creations, Purbo Digontey Shurjo Uthechhey,

Mago Bhabna Keno and Nongar Tolo Tolo, were

composed by the legendary Samar Das, during the
Liberation War. The eminent composer played a major
role in Bangladeshi music. Das was the music director of
the first Bengali film, Mukh O Mukhosh, made in Pakistan.
Today marks the legendary creator's 19th death
anniversary.
Born on December 10, 1929 at Lakhsmibazar of Old
Dhaka, he was enlisted as a flautist at the Dhaka Centre of
All India Betar in 1945, at the age of 16.
In the 50s he joined the HMV Gramophone Company as a
pianist. In 1967, he was appointed as the music producer
of Dhaka Betar, where he worked till 1971.
One of the chief organisers of the Shadhin Bangla Betar
Kendra in 1971, he composed several patriotic songs that
became immensely popular. He was appointed as the
chief music director of the radio station.
Samar Das' contributions were not confined to just the
aesthetic aspects of music, as he was also deeply involved
with the Liberation War. He composed the signature tune
of the newly founded Bangladesh Betar after
Independence.
Starting with Mukh O Mukhosh, other acclaimed scores
under his direction were from the films Aasia, Nabarun,
Matir Pahar, Jighangsha, Raja Elo Shohore and Dhirey
Bohe Meghna, among others.
One of the founding members of Sangeet Parishad and a
member of the National Press Club, he was the music
director at the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games, held
in Dhaka, both in 1985 and 1995. In recognition of his
contribution to music, he was awarded the prestigious
Ekushey Padak and the Shadhinota Padak among other
accolades.
Through his classic tunes on the radio and TV, Samar Das
continues to live among us with his music.

Freedom fighter and renowned actor Zafar Iqbal was one

of the most stylish stars of the industry and a favourite
amongst youngsters, during the 70s and 80s. His
unexpected demise in 1991 was a tremendous loss for
the fraternity and his legions of fans. Today marks the
70th birthday of the iconic artiste, who was the sibling of
noted singer Shahnaz Rahmantullah and prominent music
director Anwar Parvez.
At the age of 19, Zafar Iqbal made his film debut with the
Khan Ataur Rahman directorial Apon Por (1969). The
movie also featured Sarah Kabori. The film's song Ja Re
Jabi Jodi Ja was a hit amongst the audience.
Babita and Zafar Iqbal made a fantastic pair on the screen,
working in 30 films together. They made a guest
appearance in Shurjo Shongram (1979), along with
Farooque. The film is directed by Abdus Samad.
After the Ashok Ghosh directorial Mastan (1975)
solidified his position as a dashing leading star, the film
Noyoner Alo (1984), alongside Suborna Mustafa, marked
his foray into romantic roles.
In his career, he was featured in 150 films, including
Obujh Hridoy, Bhai Bondhu, Obodan, Premik, Shadharon
Meye, Fokir Monju Shah, Diner Por Din, Bedwin,
Ongshidar, Megh Bijli Badhon, Saat Rajar Dhon,
Ashirbaad, Opomaan, Ek Mutho Bhaat, Ghriholokkhi, Ogo
Bideshini, Premik, Nawab, Protirodh, Phuler Mala, CID,
Morjada, Shondhi, Bondhu Amar, and Usila, among many
others.
"His grace, acting, voice, and personality charmed us all.
He even played English songs beautifully, with his guitar,"
recalls Babita.
"Though he was older than me, he treated me like a
friend," says singer Kumar Biswajit, who did playback
singing for many of Zafar Iqbal's film songs.
Zafar Iqbal was a talented singer as well. He took up
singing from a young age, forming the band, Rolling Stone
in 1966, with his friends. His debut playback song was Hoy
Jodi Bodnaam Hok Aro, composed by his elder brother,
Anwar Parvez, for the film Bodnaam. The song Shukhe
Thako O Amar Nondini, composed by legendary music
director Alauddin Ali, was another hit song sung by the
actor. Tumi Amar Jibon, Ami Tomar Jibon was another hit
song by him. His musical album, titled Keno Tumi Kadale,
was released in the 80s. He sang the number, Ek
Hridoyhinar Kachhe Hridoyer Daam Ki Achhe for the 25th
birth anniversary of BTV. Later, Rafiqul Alam also sang the
song.
Zafar Iqbal passed away in April 27, 1991, at the age of 40.