Director of ‘Chander Alo’, Sheikh Nazrul Islam, Passes Away: A Loss to the Film Industry

Sheikh Nazrul Islam, the celebrated director and filmmaker behind the iconic Bengali film Chander Alo (Moonlight), has passed away at the age of 81. He breathed his last on Saturday night, around 12:30 AM, in a private hospital in Dhaka, where he had been receiving treatment. The news was confirmed to Prothom Alo by Apurbo Rana, the assistant secretary of the Director’s Guild of Bangladesh.

On November 16, Sheikh Nazrul Islam suffered a mild stroke, leading to his hospitalisation. He had been under medical care since then, battling the effects of the stroke. Over the years, he made significant contributions to Bengali cinema, working not only as a director but also as a scriptwriter, dialogue writer, lyricist, and even as an actor.

Nazrul Islam’s career in filmmaking began as an assistant director under the tutelage of notable filmmakers Khan Ataur Rahman and Zahir Raihan. He eventually carved out a niche for himself as a solo director, helming a number of successful films throughout his career. Among his most famous works are Chander Alo (Moonlight), Chabuk, Chand, Etim, Nagin, Masum, Eid Mubarak, Asha, Poriborton, Notun Prithibi, Didar, Salma, Bou-Shashuri, Koshom, Bidhata, Strir Pawna, Chander Hasi, Chakrant, Singh Purush, Shob Khotom, Damon, Jochhunar Prem, and Ma Boro Na Bou Boro.

In the 1960s, Sheikh Nazrul Islam made his debut as an actor in the film Sat Bhai Champa, and he continued to act in several films over the years. He also worked as an assistant director on Zahir Raihan’s unfinished film Let There Be Light, where he had a cameo role.

Born on November 7, 1944, in Kaliganj, Natore, Sheikh Nazrul Islam leaves behind his wife and two children. His death has left a void in the Bengali film industry, and his contributions to the art form will be remembered for generations to come.

At dawn on Sunday, his body was taken to his ancestral home in Kaliganj, Natore, where it will be laid to rest after a prayer service. The film community, including actors, directors, and various industry organisations, have expressed deep sorrow over his passing.

Sheikh Nazrul Islam’s death marks the end of an era in Bengali cinema, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on through his films.