By Nazmus Saquib
This writer wanted to take an exclusive interview of Humayun Faridee – one of the most versatile actors in the history of Bangladeshi media – after his performance in Humayun Ahmed’s critically acclaimed film on the liberation war ‘Shamol Chaya’, which got rave reviews from his fans and critics alike.
However it took a while before this writer eventually caught up with him. But alas, Faridee was not in his usual best then. He was a just shadow of his former self. His care-a-damn attitude towards his physical health got the better of him and he lost his zeal and energy. He was a withering man. When asked for an interview, Faridee agreed to give one but asked to wait another four months due to his other commitments. With a broken heart, this writer did ask a few questions to this thespian of Bangla theatre as he was preparing himself for a special play at the Mohila Samity Auditorium.
The first question Faridee was asked was is his larger than life personality affected his interaction with new actors, especially while working together. To this question, Faridee replied: “I usually break the ice in such situations by offering cigarettes to new actors so that they could easily talk with me and accept me as a co-artist. For instance, many young journalists like you have the preconceived notion that I avoid queries from journalists and never speak too much about me, which is not true at all. I am open to the idea of giving interviews, provided the interviewer asks relevant questions about my profession. However, I don’t like discussing my personal life,” said a confident Faridee.
A freedom fighter, a die hard cricket fan and a big supporter of Alok Kapali, Humayun Faridee was not just a versatile actor, but also a man of many colours. With him, the Bangladeshi media has lost a shining star who graced both the stage and screens with equal glamour and panache.
Short Biography: Born in Narinda in the Old Dhaka on May 29, 1952, Faridee was a student of Economics at Jahangirnagar University. His passion for acting blossomed in his childhood. In the early 1980s, he joined Dhaka Theatre. He was well-known for his extraordinary portrayal of roles in different plays, which included Songsaptak, Pathar Shomoy, Dui Bhai, Sheeter Pakhi, Kothao Keu Nei, Shomudre Gangchil and Kachher Manush. Midway in his stage career, Faridee joined films and won the hearts of millions through his work. Some of his prominent movies are Dohon, Hulia, Shontrash, Bachelor, JoyJatra Shamolchaya, Bohubrihi, Ekattorer Jishu, Mayer Morjada and Aha. Faridee has also directed a few TV plays. Faridee had been living a lonely life since his divorce from eminent actress Suborna Mustafa in 2008.
Friends and well wishers talked about their fond memories with Faridee to The Bangladesh Chronicle:
Mamunur Rashid (Veteran theatre artist and a close friend to Faridee): Faridee was a multi talented personality. I’ve lost words to describe this loss. The void Faridee has left will never be filled.
Razzaque (The legendary actor): I don’t why good people are leaving us one after another. Faridee’s demise is a great loss for our cultural arena. I think Faridee committed suicide by neglecting his physical health despite repeated warnings from his friends and well wishers.
Ferdousi Mazumder (Renowned actress): Faridee was an actor of the highest stature. He was one of my great colleagues. He didn’t find peace in this earthly life, so I would pray to God to grant him eternal peace in the after life.
Hanif Sanket (Popular anchor): Humayun Faridee was always very witty and humorous. He was courageous, forward looking and a well educated person. He was bold enough to speak the truth without bothering about the consequences. I’m praying for the salvation of his departed soul.
Asrar Chowdhury (Teacher, Economics Department, Jahangirnagar University): After completing his education, Humayun Faridee left an unpaid bill of Tk 319 with Al Beruni Canteen at Jahangirnagar University. When once asked to pay it back, many years later, he responded he wanted to remain in debt to Jahangirnagar University forever. In the same way the Bangladeshi media will forever remain indebted to Humayun Faridee.
