Staff Reporter, Dhaka: ‘Ektarar Imam’, a documentary based on the life of the mystic bard Ukil Munshi, was screened yesterday (Thursday) in Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, marking his 141st birth anniversary. The screening was jointly organized by the production houses ‘Cinehaat’ and ‘Motion Bangla’.

Following the screening, Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, discussed the film. He remarked, “This film seamlessly navigates through an analytical journey while simultaneously portraying the lives of those who embody music in their everyday existence. The contemporary relevance of the bard is beautifully captured right within the title of the film.”

Filmmaker Anarjo Murshid shared his inspiration, saying, “The call to renounce egotism and self-centeredness in Ukil Munshi’s songs primarily inspired me to make this film. While making this documentary, I realized that Ukil Munshi is not an isolated character in our society; rather, he is a true successor of thousands of years of Bengali culture.”

Ukil Munshi was a unique figure who concurrently served as a mosque’s Imam, while also composing mystic songs and Krishna Bhajans. He is the creator of timeless masterpieces such as ‘Ashadh Maishya Bhasa Pani’, ‘Oporadhi Hoileo Ami Bondhu Tor’, and ‘Amar Gaye Joto Dukkho Soy’.

In the documentary, Pir Syed Golam Mostafa of the Richi Darbar Sharif in Habiganj noted, “Ukil Munshi was not just a mosque Imam; he was also a Pir (spiritual guide). Pir Syed Mozaffar Ahmad of Richi conferred Khilafat upon 12 saints, and Ukil Munshi was one of them.” Notably, Mozaffar Ahmad was a descendant of Nasiruddin Sipahsalar, who accompanied Hazrat Shah Jalal (R).

The cinematography of ‘Ektarar Imam’ was done by Piklu Neel, Provat Ahmed, and John William. Rabiul Islam Shashi handled the sound design, while Laila Ferdouse served as the editor and colorist.

A major highlight of this movie is its poster. Since no real photo of the mystic saint Ukil Munshi existed, artist A.Z. Shimul drew his picture for the poster by listening to descriptions from his relatives.