Renowned Bangladeshi musician, film director, producer and lyricist Gazi Mazharul Anwar passed away Sunday morning. He was 79.

His nephew actor Shahriar Nazim Joy said doctors at the United Hospital pronounced him dead when he was taken to United Hospital on Sunday morning. 

Shahana Mirza, daughter-in-law of Gazi Mazharul Anwar, said that his father-in-law was suffering from acidity problem for the past few days. He was taken to a doctor yesterday for blood test and was scheduled to undergo more tests today.

Details regarding his namaz-e-janaza are yet to be announced and his burial will take place after the return of his daughter, singer Dithi Anwar who is currently staying abroad. 

Born on February 22, 1943, at Daudkandi in Cumilla, Gazi Mazharul Anwar contributed greatly to the cultural and entertainment industry in Bangladesh with a glorious career spanning more than 60 years. 

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In his legendary career as a lyricist, he wrote over 20,000 songs including the coveted patriotic song "Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy." He was one of the eminent lyricists of the Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra and three of his songs are included in BBC Bangla's list of the "20 greatest Bangla songs."

“Sagorer Teer Theke,” “Monero Ronge Rangabo,” “Akasher Haatey Achhe Ek Rash Neel,” “Ganeri Khatay Swarolipi Likhe,” “Ei Prithir Pore,” “Osru Diye Lekha,” “O Amar Rosiya Bondhure,” “Eki Sonar Aloy,” “Ami Rajanigandha Phuler Moto,” are some of his most popular songs in Dhallwood.

As a film director, he has directed 19 films including “Shasti,” Bichar Poti,” “Artonad,” “Jiboner Golpo” and more. 

He received the Bangladesh National Film Award as a lyricist for ‘Tit for Tat’ (1992), ‘Ajante’ (1996), ‘Churiwala’ (2001), ‘Lal Dariya’ (2002), ‘Kokhono Megh Kokhono Brishti’ (2003) and ‘Meyeti Ekhon Kothay Jabe’ (2016).

Gazi Mazharul Anwar was honoured with the Ekushey Padak in 2002 and received the Independence Award in 2021.