Akbar Hossain Pathan Dulu (Bengali: আকবর হোসেন পাঠান দুলু; 18 August 1948 – 15 May 2023), known by the stage name Farooque (Bengali: ফারুক), was a Bangladeshi actor, politician, businessman and producer.[1] He was known as 'Mia Bhai' (respected brother) to mass people.[2] He appeared in over 150 films in a career spanning more than five decades.[1] Most of his films were commercially and critically successful.[3] Farooque was one of the most recognizable stars of the classical and golden era of Bangladeshi film industry.[4]
During Operation Searchlight, 25 March 1971, he participated in the first resistance of the liberation war in Malitola, Old Dhaka as second in command of their own guerrilla force commanded by 'Nader Gunda'.[12][13] Later, Farooque succeeded as commander and continued the fighting.[14]
Farooque was associated with the politics in six point movement in 1966.[20] 37 cases were filed against him by Pakistani military junta for participating in the movement.[19]
Farooque participated in the 1971 Liberation War.[21] In liberation war, he was closely associated with and fought alongside guerrilla legend 'Nader Gunda' as second in command.[22] During Operation Searchlight, 25 March 1971, he participated in the very first resistance of the liberation war in Malitola as second in command of their own guerrilla force commanded by 'Nader Gunda'.[23] After killing of 'Nader Gunda' by Pakistani forces, Farooque succeeded as commander and continued the fighting.[24]
Career
Farooque started his film career through Jolchobi in 1971.[25] This brave veteran and multiple award-winning actor has contributed enormously to shape the Golden Era of the Bangladeshi film industry. Golapi Ekhon Traine, Lathial, Abar Tora Manush Ho, Mia Bhai, Sareng Bou, Padma Meghna Jamuna, Ekhono Onek Raat; the list of his milestone works continued to adorn his career.[4] Though he shared screen with every leading actress of his time, most of Farooque's works were associated with the actresses Bobita, Rozina and Kabori.[26][3]
Most of his films were in village settings, though he is recognized as a versatile actor. He established himself as the most popular protagonist in village setting films. Most of his films were massive hits.[27][28]
Farooque produced more than a dozen of films through his production company FP Films. Farooque was one of the founders of Film Artist Association and incumbent president of Bangobandhu Sangskritik Jot.[27]
Farooque was also a businessman except his acting career. He was the managing director of Farooque Kniting and Dying Manufacturing Company situated in Kaliakoir, Gazipur.[29]
As a political activist, Farooque was associated with Bangladesh Awami League politics since 1966. He was elected to the parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency as a candidate of Bangladesh Awami League on 30 December 2018.[30][7]
Personal life and death
Farooque was married to Farhana Farooque.[31][18] They had a daughter, Fariha Tabassum Hossain, and a son, Rowshon Hossain.[32]
In September 2020, Farooque tested positive for tuberculosis, and was admitted to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.[33] Earlier, on 16 August 2020, he was admitted to a private hospital due to fever.[34] After, he was in intensive care unit (ICU) for 4 months.[35] In January 2022, it was revealed that two flats of his, priced at 15 croretaka, were sold.[36] He died in Singapore on 15 May 2023, at the age of 74.[37]
^Mithu Halder (13 May 2015). রঙিলা নায়ের মাঝি..... banglamail24 (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 8 October 2015. Retrieved 6 November 2015.
^সেরে উঠছেন ফারুক. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 10 May 2012. Archived from the original on 11 September 2015. Retrieved 10 October 2015.