Prabir Mitra laid to eternal rest

National film award winner Prabir Mitra alias Hasan Imam was laid to eternal rest at Azimpur Cemetery on Monday (January 6).

First namaz-e-janaza of the veteran actor was held at the Film Development Corporation (FDC) on Monday after Zuhr prayers. His second namaz-e-janaza was held at Channel I premises.

His funeral was attended by a large number of colleagues, friends, and admirers, including prominent actors such as Alamgir, Ujjal, Ilias Kanchan, Misha Sawdagar, Chotku Ahmed, Khorshed Alam Khosru, and other film industry personalities.

Prabir Mitra was deeply admired by fans and colleagues alike, many of whom gathered at FDC to offer their last respects. Various film organizations, including the Bangladesh Film Journalists Association (Bachchash), Film Producers Association, Directors Association, Artists Association, and Film Club, also paid tribute to the illustrious actor.

Prabir Mitra passed away on Sunday (January 5) at around 10:30pm in a private hospital in Dhaka, after a prolonged illness. The actor had been struggling with old age and complications such as oxygen deficiency for some time.

Prabir Mitra was admitted to the hospital on December 22, 2024, and was initially placed in the ICU before being moved to a cabin. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, he passed away while undergoing treatment in the hospital.

Born on August 18, 1943, in Chandina, Cumilla, Prabir Mitra grew up in Old Dhaka. He began his acting journey in school, performing the role of a guard in Rabindranath Tagore’s “Dak Ghar”, or the Post Office.

He later made his big-screen debut in Jolchhobi under director H Akbar.

Prabir Mitra’s last film appearance was in Briddashram, directed by SD Rubel.

In 1982, he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Boro Bhalo Lok Chhilo”, directed by Md Mohiuddin.

In 2018, he was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

Throughout his illustrious career, Prabir Mitra acted in over 400 films, with notable works including Titas Ekti Nadir Naam, Jibon Trishna, Shayana, Jaliat, Foryad, Rokto Shapath, Choritrohin, Joy Porajoy, Angar, Mintu Amar Naam, Fakir Majnu Shah, Modhumita, Oshanto Dheu, Alankar, Anurag, Prottigya, Tarulota, Gaayer Chele, and Putrobodhu, among others.

Prabir Mira frequently graced the silver screen as a beloved supporting actor, captivating audiences with his heartfelt portrayals.

He studied at St Gregory’s High School and Jagannath College--now Jagannath University.

The actor leaves behind three sons and one daughter.

He lost his wife, Anjanta Mitra, in 2000 and his youngest son, Akash Mitra, passed away in 2012.

His death marks the end of an era in Bengali cinema, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances that will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers.