National Award-Winning Filmmaker Zahidur Rahim Passes Away

Anjan had been in Bengaluru since January for a liver transplant, which took place on February 19. Unfortunately, he succumbed to post-operative complications, according to his brother.

His family has been coordinating with Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki regarding necessary formalities, which are expected to take two to three days to complete.

Anjan had been battling liver complications for several years, receiving treatment at Sparsh Hospital in Bengaluru. Despite undergoing surgery, his health deteriorated, and he was placed on life support before passing away.

Born to Language Movement veteran Mizanur Rahim and married to noted writer Shaheen Akhtar, Anjan made his directorial debut with the 2014 film Meghmallar, based on Akhtaruzzaman Elias' short story Raincoat. The film earned him National Film Awards for Best Director and Best Dialogue Writer.

His most recent project, Chander Amaboshya, was completed with government funding but delayed due to Anjan's health and the country’s situation. He had recently released its poster and was eager to share the film with audiences.

A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, Anjan was also a faculty member at Stamford University Bangladesh. An active figure in Bangladesh's film movement, he served as president of the Short Film Forum and played a key role in shaping the country’s independent cinema.

His colleagues and admirers, including Cultural Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, directors Amitabh Reza, Gias Uddin Selim, and Akram Khan, have shared tributes on social media, mourning the loss of the esteemed filmmaker.