A name that commands respect across theatre, television, film, and advertising—Abul Hayat. With a career spanning over seven decades, his dedication and talent have made him an indispensable figure in Bangladesh’s cultural landscape. As a tribute to his lifelong contribution, he has been awarded the Meril-Prothom Alo Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award was presented at the grand event of Meril-Prothom Alo Awards 2024, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka. When the host, Afzal Hossain, announced his name, the audience gave him a standing ovation. A documentary showcasing his life and work was played on the big screen. The award, consisting of a crest, an uttoriyo (traditional scarf), and a cheque, was handed to him by veteran actress Dilara Zaman. Also present on stage were Anjan Chowdhury, Managing Director of Square Toiletries, and Anisul Hoque, Managing Editor of Prothom Alo.

In his acceptance speech, an emotional Abul Hayat said, “This award is not mine alone. It belongs to all the characters who came alive through me and stayed with me even after I removed my makeup.” He expressed gratitude to Meril, Prothom Alo, Square, and the entire organizing team. He also thanked his beloved audience whose unwavering love has always inspired him. Directing his words to his wife Shirin Hayat, he added, “Shiri, this award is yours.”

Born on September 7, 1944, in Murshidabad, British India, Abul Hayat moved to Chattogram at the age of three due to his father’s job with the railway. He spent the first 22 years of his life in the railway colony there. In 1962, he enrolled at the East Pakistan University of Engineering and Technology (now BUET), with dreams of becoming an engineer—a dream he realized, but life had other plans.

His first stage performance, “Ek Mutho Akash,” took place while he was still a student. His television debut came in 1968 with the play Oedipus under the Nagorik Natya Sampraday. That same year, he joined Dhaka WASA as an engineer. In search of better financial opportunities, he went to Libya in 1978, where Bangladeshi engineers were in high demand.

After returning three years later, he resigned from government service. He briefly worked in the private sector and did some consultancy, but in 1995 he left it all behind to become a full-time actor.

He became one of the most prominent faces during the golden era of BTV, with unforgettable performances in television dramas like Ayomoy, Bohubrihi, Nokkhotrer Raat, Aj Robibar, Dakkhinaranjan, Shesh Roksha, Muktodhara, Muhurto, Khela, and Dwitiyo Jonmo, among many others. During the 1990s, he also played key roles in major films like Shonkhonil Karagar, Aguner Poroshmoni, Keyamat Theke Keyamat, Obujh Duti Mon, and Swopner Thikana.

In 1970, Abul Hayat married Mahfuza Khatun Shirin. They have shared 55 years of married life. Juggling work and family was not easy—he admits that his wife took on the major responsibility of raising their daughters and managing the household during his busiest times. He credited her with being his strength during tough moments.

At 80, Abul Hayat is still energetic and active. He continues to shoot for 15 to 16 days a month and finds joy in his work. Awards and honors may come his way, but for him, they are not endpoints—they are milestones in an ongoing journey. This lifetime achievement award marks not the end, but the beginning of yet another chapter in the life of this remarkable artist.