Manna still lives in fans’ hearts even after 15 years

For Bengali film lovers, February 17 is an emotional day of remembrance. When the death anniversary of popular hero Manna arrives, the golden age of his imposing presence, powerful dialogues and heroic acting comes back to the minds of the fans.

On this day in 2008, he died of a heart attack at the age of 44. But the passage of time could not fade his popularity. Even after a decade and a half, his dialogues, action and emotional scenes still move the audience anew.

Manna started his journey in films in 1984 through the 'Natun Mukher Sandhane' competition. Although his first released film was 'Pagli', 'Kasem Malar Prem' in 1991 brought him widespread recognition. After that, he became a symbol of Dhallywood's reliability by acting in more than three hundred films including 'Danga', 'Traas', 'Ammajan', 'Lal Badsha'.

He was successful not only as an actor but also as a producer. His productions 'Loottaraj', 'Swami Stryer Yudho' and 'Ami Jel Te Bolchi' were commercially successful. In recognition of his acting, he won the National Film Award, the Meril-Prothom Alo Award three times and the Bachsas Award five times.

In his personal life, co-star Shelly Quader was his life partner. Their only child is Siam Iltimas Manna.

Times change, generations change, but some stars remain evergreen. Manna's strong vision and heroic presence on screen prove even today that he is not just a one-time superstar, but a legend still alive in the hearts of his fans.