Stars remember Bulbul Ahmed on his birth anniversary

5 HOUR(s)•ENTERTAINMENT
SShah Alam Shazu
Shah Alam Shazu
Photo: Collected

For generations of Bangladeshi audiences, Bulbul Ahmed has remained more than a celebrated actor of cinema’s golden era. His performances, screen presence and the songs featured in his films continue to evoke a time when stars could become synonymous with the characters they portrayed.

For Bulbul Ahmed, that character was “Devdas”.

Born on September 4, the actor immortalised the tragic protagonist in Chashi Nazrul Islam’s “Devdas”, based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s timeless novel. His portrayal resonated so deeply with audiences that “Devdas” became almost another name for him.

Yet his career extended far beyond one iconic role.

Bulbul Ahmed was one of the leading actors of his generation, appearing in numerous acclaimed and commercially successful films. Many of them remain memorable not only for their stories and performances, but also for their songs.

In “Wada”, his pairing with Babita produced popular numbers including “Samal Samal Samal Sathi, Dhire Dhire Chol Re” and “Jodi Bou Sajo Go”.

Remembering her co-star, Babita said his absence is still difficult to accept.

“Bulbul Ahmed was exceptionally courteous and genuinely kind. He was a wonderful human being. But the moment he stood before the camera, he transformed. He was an extraordinary actor,” she said.

She also recalled his conduct on film sets.

“He earned immense respect throughout his career. Whenever he was in a unit, he spoke to everyone with warmth and respect.”

His performance in “Mahanayak” earned him another enduring title — ‘mahanayak’. The film also featured songs that remain familiar to audiences, including “Amar E Duti Chokh Pathor To Noy” and “Hajar Moner Kache Proshno Rekhe”.

His pairing with Kabori in “Aradhana” produced another memorable hit, “Ami Tomar Bodhu, Tumi Amar Shami”, while “Jonmo Theke Jolchhi Mago”, featuring Bulbul Ahmed on screen, became another emotionally resonant song from his filmography.

But his contribution to the performing arts went beyond cinema.

He acted in numerous television dramas and directed several films, while his performances in literary adaptations further established his reputation as an actor willing to take on diverse material.

For actress Rozina, his greatest quality was perhaps his humanity.

“Bulbul Ahmed bhai was a very good person. One of his greatest qualities was his big heart. He was kind and had an excellent reputation in the film industry as a gentleman,” she said.

“Many of the great actors of our golden era are no longer with us. Bulbul bhai was one of the most remarkable among them. On his birthday, I send my love and pay tribute to his memory.”

Dolly Zahur, who worked with him in television, remembers him as both a fine actor and a gracious co-star.

“He was a wonderful person. I enjoyed working with him as a co-actor. When an artiste gets a good human being as a co-star, the work becomes easier and better,” she said.

She particularly remembers their time together on the hugely popular television serial “Ei Shob Din Ratri”.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel.

“We made countless memories while working together. I have immense respect for him.”

Bulbul Ahmed’s career spanned decades and mediums, from mainstream cinema to television and literary adaptations. But his legacy remains closely tied to the characters, songs and performances that audiences carried with them long after the credits rolled.

Among those, one character stands above the rest.

Decades after he first appeared as the doomed lover, Bulbul Ahmed remains, for countless viewers, the face of “Devdas” in Bangladeshi cinema.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, September 3, Ahmed’s wife Daisy Ahmed and daughter Tahsin Farzana Tilottoma handed over his awards and memorabilia to Bangladesh Film Archive Director General M Javed Iqbal.

His youngest daughter Tazrin Farhana Oindrila is currently abroad and spoke to The Daily Star. 

“Today is my father’s birthday. It is a very special day for me. Although he is no longer with us, I miss him every day, and I miss him even more on his birthday,” she said.

“This time, my father’s awards were handed over to the Film Archive. I would like to thank the authorities for preserving them there. I was supposed to be present as well, and they had contacted me, but I could not attend as I am abroad.”

She also expressed that she feels especially meaningful to see his National Film Awards being handed over to the Film Archive just before his birthday.

“On your birthday, Abbu, sending you all my prayers and love,” Oindrila said.