Celebrated songwriter Gazi Mazharul Anwar, known for his contribution of numerous unforgettable songs, is being honored on what would have been his 83rd birthday today. Anwar, born on February 22, 1943, in Daudkandi upazila of Comilla, penned over 20,000 songs during his illustrious six-decade career. His repertoire ranged from romantic tunes to patriotic ballads, leaving an indelible mark on Bangladeshi music and cinema’s golden era.
His spouse, Zohora Gazi, a former top athlete in East Pakistan who later ventured into film production, and their children, Sarfaraz Anwar Upol, a businessman, and Dithi Anwar, a singer, carry on his legacy. Anwar was also involved in the film industry, directing and producing approximately 41 movies. He made significant contributions to Bangladesh Television (BTV) from its early days, composing numerous songs for the national broadcaster. Notably, three of his compositions, including “Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy,” “Ekbar Jete De Na Amar Chotto Shonar Gaye,” and “Ektara Tui Desher Kotha Bol Re Ebar Bol,” made it into the top 20 of a BBC survey ranking the greatest Bengali songs of all time.
His timeless creations, such as “Akash er Hate Ache Ek Rash Nil,” sung by Anjuman Ara Begum in the film “Ayna O Oboshishto,” and many others, ensure that Gazi Mazharul Anwar’s artistic legacy lives on in the rich tapestry of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.