Musicians and filmmakers have expressed deep shock at the death of Independence Award and Ekushey Padak-winning film director, producer, lyricist, screenwriter and music director Gazi Mazharul Anwar and said that the younger generation should learn from him.
Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artiste and three-time National Film Award-winning music director Shujeo Shyam, Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artiste and two-time National Film Award-winning musician Rafiqul Alam, renowned singer TW Sainik and filmmaker and writer Belayat Hossain Mamun shared their memories of Gazi Mazharul Anwar, who passed away on Sunday.
Sujeo Shyam said, ‘Gazi Mazharul Anwar’s works inspired the masses and freedom fighters during the War of Independence. His immense contribution to the country’s music industry can never be forgotten. The younger generation must look up to him and learn from him.’
‘He was a good friend of mine. I had a lot of memories of him. We went to India together to participate in a music programme. We also went to Lahore,’ mentioned Sujeo Shyam, adding, ‘I could not imagine that he would pass away all of a sudden. His passing away made me deeply saddened. I will miss him. I would like to extend my condolences to the bereaved family of my friend Gazi Mazharul Anwar. He will live on through his works.’
Rafiqul Alam said, ‘We had known each other for almost 50 years. I first met Gazi Mazharul Anwar while lending my voice to his song Ektu jodi aj neshai holo in 1973. Satya Saha composed the song for Azizur Rahman-directed film Atithi. I found him to be a kind-hearted man.’
‘I would like to mention that Gazi Mazharul Anwar had given up his medical education to pursue his passion for writing,’ mentioned Rafiqul Alam, adding, ‘He used to live a recluse life. We need more lyricists who can write songs, that can leave a lasting impression on people, like Gazi Mazharul Anwar. The younger generation should follow in his footsteps.’
TW Sainik said, ‘Legendary lyricist, filmmaker and producer Gazi Mazharul Anwar passed away suddenly. We never thought that he would pass away quietly. He composed thousands of songs in his career that spanned over five decades. In the world of music, one song can immortalise an artiste. Three songs written by Gazi Mazharul Anwar have been included in the list of twenty greatest Bangla songs of all time in a survey of BBC Bangla.’
‘Liberation war, patriotism, nature, love and others have been highlighted in many of his timeless songs. The younger generation should learn from him and follow in his footsteps,’ added TW Sainik.
Belayet Hossain Mamun said, ‘Gazi Mazharul Anwar had made an immense contribution to our music and culture. He penned songs that inspired countless during the War of Independence. The playback songs written by him in the seventies and eighties played a role in helping local films find commercial success by gripping the attention of the audience.’
‘Gazi Mazharul Anwar lived a fruitful life and enriched Bangla music treasure trove with his timeless creations. He would continue to live on through his works. I would like to express my deepest respect to him. The younger generation should learn from him,’ he ended.