Celebrated songwriter Gazi Mazharul Anwar, known for creating numerous iconic songs, is being honored today on his 83rd birth anniversary. Anwar, born on February 22, 1943, in Daudkandi upazila of Cumilla, left behind a legacy of over 20,000 songs that spanned a remarkable career of six decades. His lyrical contributions ranged from romantic tunes to patriotic ballads, defining a golden era in Bangladeshi music and cinema.
His spouse, Zohora Gazi, a former top athlete in East Pakistan, transitioned into film production. Their children, Sarfaraz Anwar Upol and Dithi Anwar, pursued careers in business and music, respectively. Anwar also delved into filmmaking, directing, and producing approximately 41 films. His impact extended to the early days of Bangladesh Television (BTV), where he crafted numerous songs for the national audience. Notably, in a BBC poll ranking the greatest Bengali songs ever, three of Anwar’s compositions made it to the top 20 list.
Anwar’s enduring influence is evident in classics like “Akash er Hate Ache Ek Rash Nil” from the movie “Ayna O Oboshishto” sung by Anjuman Ara Begum and many others. His profound contribution to Bangladesh’s cultural heritage through his music remains cherished by many.
