Khalil Ullah Khan, widely known as Khalil was a film and television actor. He grew up in Sylhet. He was a young Ansar officer in the early 1950s. He was suspended from service following an altercation with a union board chairman.
Film producer Masud Chowdhury discovered Khan and casted him in his film Sonar Kajol in 1953. The film was directed jointly by Kalim Sharafi and Zahir Raihan. He went on to act in 11 Urdu language films including Raihan's Sangam, the first colour film in Pakistan. After the Liberation War he revived his career through films such as Utshorgo and Ekhane Akash Neel.
His received Bangladesh National Film Award for acting in Alamgir Kumkum's Gunda in 1976. In 2012, he won Lifetime Achievement Award. He earned notability for his 'Mia' role on BTV play Sangsaptak. He was also the president of Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association.
His notable works are Preet Na Jane Reet, Bhawal Sannashi, Jongli Phool, Bini Sutar Mala, Wada, Bou Kotha Kow, Sonar Cheye Dami, Megher Pore Megh, Modhumoti, Gunda.
About Khalil, Syed Wahiduzzaman Diamond said, "A powerful actor of silver screen, he acted in many renowned films. Khalil earned huge appreciation for his character 'Mia' in 'Sangsaptak'."
Noted film critic Syed Ahsan Khan said, "During the early days of his career in the early 1950s, he was deeply into theatre. After being originally cast for Masud Chowdhury's "Preet Jane Na Reet", he was replaced by the romantic hero Rahman who seriously injured one of his legs in an accident during the shoot. So Khalil was re-cast in the film. Khalil was a powerful actor both on silver and small screens. Beginning his acting career as a theatre activist, he made his debut in Zahir Raihan's Sonar Kajol. Besides acting in more than 800 films, Khalil earned acclaimed at Sangsaptak."
Khalil's exclusive voice and cold look will remain imprinted on the minds of film enthusiasts and serve as a perennial source of inspiration for the generations of actors to come.
Khan died in 2014.
Yesterday (December 7) marked the 2nd death anniversary of the actor.
The writer is a freelance contributor.
