Aly Zaker — Another rhinestone up the Horizon

The passing of a momentous actor, social activist, freedom fighter, creator and media personality has shook the public to the core.

Admiration alone is not what drives me to write this obituary for Aly Zaker sir- my parents were closely associated with him from their theatre days; they have been through rough patches together in the political field, struggled to bring about changes in the state of art and culture as we know it today, so these stories have been monumental parts of my upbringing, in shaping my interests.

Awardee of some of the most prestigious titles nationally and internationally, he boasts the true legacy of a life well lived. The loss is formidable, for he pioneered the theatre, drama and creative circle for years; his organisation Asiatic 3Sixty has been one of the leading names in giving big breaks to career seekers in the field. Additionally, he was an avid reader and a literary critic. In his youth, his tenure as a guerrilla freedom fighter had earned him a spot in Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.

Born on November 6, 1944 in Chittagong, Aly Zaker was the third among four siblings. He spent his early childhood in Kushtia and Madaripur. The son of a a high-ranking government official, Zaker studied at St Gregory’s High School, Notre Dame College, and graduated from the University of Dhaka, where he studied sociology. He started his career in Karachi in 1966 with WS Crawfords Ltd, a UK-based advertising agency, before joining East Asiatic Advertising Ltd in 1968. He was instrumental in innovating advertising and consumer research.

Aly Zaker has acted in over 2000 plays and played 200 roles in television drama,, more than most actors can claim; he was the life and soul of Bohubrihi and Aaj Robibar- the most phenomenal and renowned Humayun Ahmed dramas. A personality loved, adored and admired by the whole nation bids farewell to us, today.

Farewell, Prospero.

Farewell, Macbeth.

Farewell, Galileo.

Farewell, Dewan Gazi.

Farewell, Nuruldeen…

Farewell, to many, many characters that will be known by your name, farewell to the many characters who will remain untouched because you left too soon.