Mustafa Monwar, puppeteering legend and cultural icon, no more

Renowned artist, puppeteer, and cultural icon Mustafa Monwar passed away this morning (29 June) while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital. He was 91.

The versatile artist breathed his last at around 8:30am at Square Hospital in Dhaka. His nephew, Iftekhar Rahman, confirmed the news of his demise through a post on Facebook.

Widely revered as a "sabyasachi" (multitalented) creator, Mustafa Monwar left an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape as a fine artist, theatre director, and art researcher.

He is especially celebrated as one of the pioneer figures and driving forces behind the practice and development of puppetry in Bangladesh.

During the Liberation War, the terrified faces of Bangladeshi children in refugee camps pained him. So, to bring smiles to the faces of the children, he organised his first puppet show in that refugee camp.

After the country gained independence, Mustafa Monwar introduced a new form of puppetry to the art world of Bangladesh in a new way, reports Prothom Alo.

The talent show "Notun Kuri", which helped nurture generations after generations of young performers, was among his most noteworthy contributions.

The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) has produced around 22 documentaries on the life and works of veteran cultural personalities, including Mustafa Monwar.

"Shilpo Sarothi", the title of the film, narrates the life of Mustafa Monwar, the great puppeteer, painter and sculptor, with authenticity.

The film portrayed how the puppet art form in Bangladesh was established through Mustafa Monwar.