Today, 13 February, marks the seventh death anniversary of actor Humayun Faridi, one of the legendary performers Bangladesh has ever produced. Faridi was one of the most influential actors of Bangladesh who captivated the audience for over two decades with his powerful and versatile acting skills in theatre, television drama and films.

The iconic figure, who won the National Film Award in 2004, has been awarded posthumous Ekushey Padak for the year 2018.

However, different television channels will air programmes on his life and works and films acted by him.

Born on 29 May in Dhaka 1952 to ATM Nurul Islam and Begaum Farida Islam, he passed the SSC exam from Islamia Government High School in 1968 and passed the HSC from Chandpur Government College in 1970. In the same year, he entered the University of Dhaka to study Organic Chemistry. However, due to the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the study became impossible. Later, he was admitted to Jahangirnagar University to study Economics and during his time there, he was a close associate of Natyacharya Selim Al Deen—among the few who made immense contributions to establishing a strong theatre base in the country.

Humayun Faridi was one of the principal organisers of the drama festival of Jahangirnagar University in 1976, and that helped him to become famous. He became a member of the Dhaka Theatre during his student life in the university. He later acted in numerous dramas on the country’s television.

Faridi was immensely admired for his extraordinary roles in many TV plays that include ‘Songsaptak’, ‘Pathar Shomoy’, ‘Dui Bhai’, ‘Sheeter Pakhi’, ‘Kothao Keu Nei’, ‘Shomudre Gangchil’ and ‘Kachher Manush’.

On the other hand, Faridi started working in the films in the middle in his theatre career, and won the hearts of millions through his works. Some of his prominent films were ‘Dohon’, ‘Hulia’, ‘Shontrash’, ‘Bachelor’, ‘Ekattorer Jishu’, ‘Mayer Morjada’ and ‘Aha’. He also directed a few TV plays.

Humayun Faridi’s National Film Award came in the best actor category for his lead role in film ‘Matritto’.

Faridi died on February 13 in 2012 at his daughter’s residence. He was suffering from chronic lung disease and physical weakness.