Gazi Mazharul Anwar passes away

Legendary lyricist and director Gazi Mazharul Anwar passed away on Sunday. 

Anwar wrote three of the top 20 Bengali songs of all time for BBC Bangla. The songs are - ‘Joy Bangla Banglar Joy’, ‘Ektara Tui Desher Katha Bol’ and ‘Ekbar Jete De Na’.

Gazi Mazharul Anwar had won the National Film Award five times as a lyricist. He also has many honours including Ekushey Padak in 2002, President Gold Medal in 1972, SM Sultan Smriti Padak, Bachsas Padak several times.

UNB adds: Nephew of Gazi Mazharul Anwar actor Shahriar Nazim Joy said doctors at the United Hospital pronounced him dead when he was taken to United Hospital on Sunday morning. 

Shahana Mirza, daughter-in-law of Gazi Mazharul Anwar, said that his father-in-law was suffering from acidity problem for the past few days. He was taken to a doctor on Saturday for blood test and was scheduled to undergo more tests on Sunday.

Details regarding his namaz-e-janaza are yet to be announced and his burial will take place after the return of his daughter, singer Dithi Anwar who is currently staying abroad. 

Born on February 22, 1943, at Daudkandi in Cumilla, Gazi Mazharul Anwar contributed greatly to the cultural and entertainment industry in Bangladesh with a glorious career spanning more than 60 years. 

In his legendary career as a lyricist, he wrote over 20,000 songs including the coveted patriotic song “Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy.” He was one of the eminent lyricists of the Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.

“Sagorer Teer Theke,” “Monero Ronge Rangabo,” “Akasher Haatey Achhe Ek Rash Neel,” “Ganeri Khatay Swarolipi Likhe,” “Ei Prithir Pore,” “Osru Diye Lekha,” “O Amar Rosiya Bondhure,” “Eki Sonar Aloy,” “Ami Rajanigandha Phuler Moto,” are some of his most popular songs in Dhallwood.

As a film director, he has directed 19 films including “Shasti,” Bichar Poti,” “Artonad,” “Jiboner Golpo” and more. 

He received the Bangladesh National Film Award as a lyricist for ‘Tit for Tat’ (1992), ‘Ajante’ (1996), ‘Churiwala’ (2001), ‘Lal Dariya’ (2002), ‘Kokhono Megh Kokhono Brishti’ (2003) and ‘Meyeti Ekhon Kothay Jabe’ (2016).

Gazi Mazharul Anwar was honoured with the Ekushey Padak in 2002 and received the Independence Award in 2021.