The passing of veteran theatre personality Ataur Rahman has left a deep void in Bangladesh’s cultural arena, particularly among those who shared the stage and decades of artistic collaboration with him. For Ekushey Padak-winning actor and playwright Abul Hayat, the loss is also profoundly personal.

Speaking to The Daily Star following Ataur Rahman’s death on Monday (May 11), Abul Hayat reflected on their decades-long friendship, shared theatrical journey, and the memories they built together through Nagorik Natya Sampradaya.

Initially struggling to find words, he said, “What can I say? Ata bhai was someone so close and dear to me, and now we have lost him. My heart feels heavy with grief. I simply cannot find the language to express it.”

Recalling how he first came to know Ataur Rahman, Abul Hayat said, “I have known him for many years. Back then, I lived in Chattogram. We studied at the same school, though he was a few years senior to me. When I went to see him for the last time, memories of the face I knew from those school days came back to me. That familiar face is now silent.”

Reflecting on the formation of Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, he said, “It was many years ago. There were plans to form the troupe, and Golam Rabbani took me there. That was where I met Ata bhai properly. The troupe was eventually formed — I was one of the founding members, Ata bhai became the founding general secretary, and Zia Haider was the founding president. That marked the beginning of a new journey for all of us.”
Speaking about their years together in theatre, Abul Hayat said much of their lives were shaped not only by performances but by long periods of rehearsal and companionship.

“In theatre, most of the time is spent in rehearsals. A performance may last for a day, but rehearsals continue for months — sometimes even six months at a stretch. During those periods, we saw each other every day. We spoke not only about theatre, but about life as well. Countless memories were created over time. That is how my bond with Ata bhai grew so deeply. So many memories remain, yet today he is no longer with us.”
Ataur Rahman was widely known by the title “Monchosharothi”, a name Abul Hayat felt reflected his lifelong dedication to theatre.

“Whoever gave him such a beautiful title chose it perfectly,” he said. “Ataur Rahman was truly the soul of the stage. He made immense contributions to theatre and devoted the finest years of his life to it.”
 

He further described Rahman as an exceptionally knowledgeable and thoughtful individual.“He was an extraordinary personality with immense wisdom. He deeply admired Rabindranath Tagore and was profoundly well-read. His theatrical direction was remarkable. He will continue to live on through his work,” Abul Hayat said.Looking back on Rahman’s sacrifices for theatre, he added, “There was a time when he had a job, but he left it behind to dedicate himself fully to theatre. He devoted an entire lifetime to the stage and to his craft. Now he has left us behind.”Abul Hayat also recalled the close bond between their families, mentioning that his elder daughter, Bipasha and Ataur Rahman’s daughter shared a close friendship and many childhood memories connected to theatre.Concluding his reflections, he said, “One after another, the memories keep coming back to me. I pray for the peace of his soul. May Almighty Allah grant him Jannah.”