Actor, playwright, filmmaker and teacher — these are just a few of the many identities associated with Gazi Rakayet. On June 15, the acclaimed cultural figure turns 60, and to mark the milestone, his admirers have organised a two-day celebration at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Born in Gendaria, Dhaka, in 1966, Rakayet developed a passion for acting during his teenage years and first appeared in school plays. Although he excelled academically and remained focused on his studies, a turning point came while he was studying at BUET. Struggling with depression and searching for a renewed sense of purpose, he came across an advertisement for an acting course at Alliance Française. He enrolled in the programme and has remained devoted to the performing arts ever since.
Over the decades, Rakayet has established himself as one of Bangladesh’s most versatile cultural figures, acting, writing plays, directing theatre productions, making films and mentoring emerging artists through training and education.
Despite his own reluctance to celebrate birthdays, those close to him insisted on commemorating the occasion. The special programme will be held on June 15 and 16 at the main hall of the National Theatre, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
The celebration will begin at 7 pm on June 15 with a performance of “Nana Ronger Din”, directed by Rakayet. The evening will also feature a screening of his short film “Ekti Lasher Golpo” (A Story of a Corpse).
On June 16, audiences will be able to watch Rakayet’s feature film “Manushtike Dekho” (Look at the Man), which was released in cinemas on May 1 this year.
Speaking about the event, Rakayet said: “I do not particularly enjoy celebrating birthdays. But this year I am turning 60, and everyone came together to arrange the programme. I could not refuse. The first day will feature the 101st performance of ‘Nana Ronger Din’. We have been staging this play for 30 years. Afterwards, there will be a screening of ‘Manushtike Dekho’.”
Reflecting on reaching the age of 60, he said: “It is a great blessing that Allah has allowed me to reach this stage of life. I have seen people, I have seen the world. As an artiste, I have tried my best to continue my work, to bring joy to people and to share my thoughts and ideas. As long as Allah grants me life, I hope to continue doing so.”
In addition to the theatre and film screenings, the event will bring together many of Rakayet’s long-time colleagues and collaborators, who will share their memories and reflections on his life and contributions to the arts.
