On a quiet evening in 1972, an actor stood before an enthusiastic audience in a small, dimly lit theater in Dhaka. He was new to the scene, but the fire within him was unmistakable. The play was called “Kobor”, a work that would later become legendary, and it was the beginning of Aly Zaker’s journey, which would transform Bangladeshi theater forever.

“I may forget everything else, but I can never forget that scene. Every time I do a play, I feel like I’m reborn,” Zaker said, reflecting on the deep connection he felt with his job. To audiences, he was more than an actor: he was the storyteller who brought the characters to life, and his legacy shaped the very heart of the country’s theater scene.

Rising action

Aly Zaker’s theater career began almost by chance, but it was one of those accidents that changed the course of the history of the theater scene of the newly independent country. Born in Chattogram but raised in Kolkata, Zaker grew up surrounded by art. Her mother often took her to theater productions, where legends like Utpal Dutt and Sombhu Mitra performed. It was a time when theater was not just entertainment but a political and cultural statement, something young Aly absorbed with every performance.

In 1971, Zaker found himself in Swadhin Bangla Betar, where he read the news in English and participated in radio plays. It was there that theater personality Mamunur Rashid first recognized his potential.

“In 1971, I met Aly Zaker while he was working at Swadhin Bangla Betar,” says Rashid. His impression of Zaker was immediate: “He had a distinctive presence, a rare blend of confidence and humility.”

It didn’t take long for Rashid to convince Zaker to join him in the theater, a true arena where his talent would shine. Shortly after, Zaker became a member of the Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, of which he remained a driving force for decades, both as a performer and director.

A scene full of unforgettable characters

During his career, Zaker played many roles, but three defined his legacy: Nuruldin, Dewan Gazi and Galileo. His portrayal of the rebel Nuruldin in legendary Bangladeshi writer Syed Shamsul Haque’s ‘Nuruldiner Sharajibon’ was nothing short of revolutionary. Haq, moved by Zaker’s raw portrayal of the freedom fighter, once said: “I couldn’t hold back my tears watching his performance. Such raw emotion, such depth in his acting!”

Equally iconic was his portrayal of Dewan Gazi in “Dewan Gazir Kissa,” an adaptation of a story by Bertolt Brecht. This role, adapted by Asaduzzaman Noor, a close friend of Zaker, allowed him to delve deep into Brecht’s complex narrative style, giving the character a level of intensity rarely seen on the Bangladeshi stage.

Then there was Galileo. Zaker’s final stage performance, in the play “Galileo”, left a lasting mark on his career. His portrayal of the revolutionary scientist, torn between conviction and survival, testifies not only to his acting prowess but also to his intellectual depth. “Every time I perform a play, I feel like I’m reborn,” he said after the performance, summing up his lifelong relationship with theater.

The theater director

Beyond acting, the artist’s contributions as a director have been groundbreaking. He wasn’t just interested in putting on plays: he was interested in pushing the boundaries. Productions like “Achalayatan”, “Baki Itihash” and “Shot Manusher Khoje”, “Toileo Shongkot”, “Ei Nishiddho Pollite” and “Köpenick er Captain” were not just performances; they were statements about society, politics, and human nature. Zaker had a gift for choosing deeply relevant pieces and his interpretations were often ahead of their time.

As a director, he was known for his attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in his actors. Mamunur Rashid once said, “Aly had this remarkable ability to translate new ideas into theatre. He was always experimenting, always evolving. »

The defender of the arts

Aly Zaker was not just an artist: he was a tireless advocate for the arts. He believed that theater was more than entertainment; it was a reflection of the soul of the company. His leadership of Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, of which he served as president until his death, enabled the troupe to remain a model of quality theater in Bangladesh.

Zaker has also played a pivotal role in organizing festivals, workshops and international collaborations, bringing the world to Bangladeshi theatre. His work on radio and television, including his performances in beloved TV series like “Aj Robibar” and “Bohubrihi,” has only widened his influence. His versatility, moving easily from stage to television and film, set a new standard for actors in the country.

Resolution

Throughout his illustrious career, Zaker has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 1999, Bangladesh’s second highest civilian honor. He has also received the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award, Munier Chowdhury Award and Noren Biswas Award, among others. Yet for Zaker, the accolades were secondary. His real reward was the connection he made with his audience: the shared experience of a story well told.

His friend and collaborator Asaduzzaman Noor said it best: “Aly was not just an actor. He was an institution.”

The man behind the curtain

Despite his immense success, Zaker remained a humble character, always seeking to learn more and improve his craft. He was known for his deep philosophical insights into theater. “Understanding emotions is the most important aspect of acting,” he once remarked. His curiosity and passion for human expression made him such a compelling actor.

Although Zaker never played King Lear, a role he so desired, his contributions to the stage are as profound as the bard’s own words. His characters – Nuruldin, Dewan Gazi, Galileo – will live on, not only in the annals of Bangladeshi theatre, but also in the hearts of audiences who were lucky enough to witness his genius.

A life immortalized on stage

Aly Zaker may no longer stand under the theater lights, but his spirit remains. His performances, his staging and his passion for the arts continue to inspire new generations of artists. He showed us what it means to dedicate yourself to a craft, live life fully through art, and leave behind a legacy that transcends time.

As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the artist’s birth and reflect on the four years since his loss, we remember Aly Zaker as much more than just an actor; as a visionary who understood the transformative power of storytelling. His legacy reminds us that art is not simply entertainment: it is the heart of life itself, shaping the way we see, feel and understand the world.