Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu -The National Award-winning director talks about Bangladeshi Theatre in the post-independent era

Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu who has taken the platform to newer heights with his curious and creative direction, can indeed be considered one of the stalwarts of the Drama and Theatre of Bangladesh,

In the seventeenth episode of 'OGROJ' by IPDC Finance, the freedom fighter unfolded experiences that left cherished memories while offering creative presents during Independence, a press release says.

In conversation with host and senior retired banker Anis A. Khan, the guest reminisced how the establishment of Dhaka Theatre and Bangladesh Gram Theatre led Bangla Natok towards a new path, following which, today Bangla Natok is well-perceived in the entertainment industry.

Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu served as the Dhaka North Liberation Army commander in the war of liberation in 1971, where he fought as a guerrilla in the crack platoon.

After the liberation in 1972, he started producing plays with playwright Selim Al Deen with the Natyakram Mancha Dol. Later in 1973, the two of them established Manchadol Dhaka Theater, the breeding ground of innumerable talented playwrights, producers, actors, and great artists. Although he directed western dramas at first, he later directed many plays written by Selim Al-Deen. Among these Kitton Khola (1981), Keramot Mongol (1985), Hat Hadai (1989), Joiboti Kannyar Mon (1995), and Bono Pangshul (1998), etc. Bangladesh Gram Theater started its journey in 1973 at Taluknagar village of Daulatpur Upazila of Manikganj district under Dhaka Theater's supervision.Bangladesh Gram Theater introduced the narrative and descriptive style of acting on plays crafted as Jatra. Bangladesh Village Theater plays a vital role in preserving and practicing the traditional folk culture of Bangladesh. In 1993, Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu made his first film, Ekkaturer Jishu. The film, based on the war of Independence of Bangladesh, was honored at various international festivals.

In 2011, Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu made the film 'Guerrilla', which played an influential role in reviving Bangladeshi cinema in the international arena.The film was considered the best film in Asia by participating in several international film festivals in 2011 and competing with 12 films at the Calcutta International Film Festival. Guerrilla won the National Film Award for Best Film, and Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu won Best Director. In all, the guerrilla won six national film awards that year in various categories. William Shakespeare's The Tempest was staged as the first Bengali language play under his direction in 2012 at the world-famous Globe Theater.

Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2010 to recognize his outstanding contribution to Bengali art and culture. He was called 'Moncher Kandari' for his pioneering role in Bangladeshi Drama.

IPDC Managing Director and CEO said, "We feel honored to host one of the prolific directors whose work will remain timeless to the world. With every episode of Orgoj, we look forward to creating a digital memoir and personalities like Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu inspires to keep narrating further."

'Ogroj' is a webinar series broadcasted live from the official IPDC Facebook page every first and third Thursday of the month. The episodes ruminate both professional and personal peaks and valleys of the guests' lives, with renowned host Anis A Khan, a well-known banker who retired recently after serving the industry for nearly four decades. Distinctive icons from diverse sectors such as Finance, Economics, Business, Art, Culture, Education, and Media are flipping through the pages of their lives on the show. The live show's recorded versions will be available on the IPDC Facebook Page and IPDC Official YouTube channel. Guests on previous episodes include ex-Finance Secretary Matiul Islam, CPD Founder-Chairperson Prof Rehman Sobhan, Adcomm Limited Chairperson Geeteara Safiya Chowdhury, ex-Finance Minister AMA Muhith, ex-Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Farashuddin Ahmed, ACI Limited Chairperson M Anis Ud Dowla, novelist Selina Hossain, ex-Finance Minister M Syeduzzaman, MediaWorld Limited Chairperson Rokia Afzal Rahman, composer Shujeyo Shyam, and dramatist Ramendu Majumdar. Past episodes, details, and updates are available at www.ogroj.com.